JPWO2015063959A1 - Inter-device control method, inter-device control program, and inter-device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

An inter-device control system in which a first processing device (110) controls a second device (121) connected to a second processing device (120), wherein the first processing device (110) Control information of the second device (121) connected to the second processing device (120) and controlled by the second processing device (120) is acquired. The first processing device (110) has the same format as the interface in the first processing device (110) during predetermined control of the second device (121) connected to the second processing device (120). A predetermined command having an identifier other than the first processing device (110) is executed, and a response from the second processing device (120) is used as a result of the executed command.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inter-device control method, an inter-device control program, and an inter-device control system that perform mutual control of devices connected to a network or the like.

  Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which devices connected via a network or the like can be controlled with each other (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). Patent Document 1 is a technology for controlling home appliances and the like from an external communication network using a home appliance control protocol in accordance with the ECHONET (Energy Conservation and Home Network NETwork) standard. Patent Document 2 dynamically rewrites a part of a program without completely stopping a required function by a control program compliant with AUTOSAR (AUTOMount Open System Architecture) standardized for an in-vehicle embedded system. Technology that can.

JP 2008-152343 A JP 2012-155682 A

  However, in the conventional technique, the control method of the first device connected to a certain first processing device is different from the control method of the second device connected to another second processing device on the network. ing. The first processing device is programmable in a way that directly accesses the first device. On the other hand, in order to control the second device, the first processing device cannot be realized without adding a network communication program interposed therebetween.

  Since the technique of Patent Document 1 uses a dedicated protocol, a dedicated I / F is required for communication between networks. Also in the technique of Patent Document 2, a dedicated I / F and a dedicated protocol are required for communication between each on-vehicle device.

  Thus, the first processing device is a closed system that controls the first device, and similarly, the second processing device is a closed system that controls the second device, and straddles between these closed systems. In the device control, network communication must be interposed between them, and a communication processing program is required separately. Therefore, conventionally, in order for the first processing apparatus of its own to control the second device on the network, there has been a problem that the number of programming steps is greatly increased.

  Further, when the device to be controlled is changed from the first device connected to its own first processing device to the second device on the network, there has been a problem that the man-hour for changing the program increases.

  For example, it is assumed that the first and second processing devices are control devices each having a CPU and are connected to each other via a network. The first processing device controls the monitoring camera as the first device. The second processing device controls the intrusion detector as the second device. When the second processing device (intrusion detector) is to be controlled by the first processing device, the second device is controlled by a program unique to the second processing device. A communication program must be added and program adjustments must be made in accordance with the program of the second processing apparatus, which is troublesome.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control processing program of another conventional device connected to the network. As shown in (a) of FIG. 14, for access (open, closed) to the first device X connected to the first processing device A, the number of rows is small without considering communication processing. Can be programmed.

  However, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the first processing device A accesses (opens and closes) the second device Y, the first processing device A and the second processing device B. An additional line 1001a to 1001c and a correction line 1002 are necessary for a communication program related to network communication with the network, and the number of work steps increases.

  The above description is based on the assumption that the first processing device and the second processing device are connected via a network. However, these first and second processing devices are respectively distributed and multi-core CPUs and shared. Even in a configuration including a memory or the like, the same problem occurs in communication between CPUs.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to easily control a device connected to another processing apparatus without being aware of communication between the processing apparatuses.

  In order to achieve the above object, the inter-device control method of the present invention is a device that controls a first device whose own processing device is connected to the own processing device or a second device connected to the second processing device. This is an inter-control method, in which the computer of its own processing device generates an object composed of a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name, and argument information, and is set in advance The information for accessing the object is obtained by referring to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the network information, and the object name, function name, and argument information The first device connected to the corresponding own processing device, selecting the port corresponding to the communication method, delivering the packet, Other transmits to the second device connected to said second processor, and wherein the.

  The second processing device restores the object name, function name, and argument information from the received packet, executes control processing, converts the return value of the execution result into a predetermined packet, And the first processing device receives the return value transmitted by the second processing device.

  Further, a server is provided between the own processing device and the second processing device, and the own processing device or the second processing device registers position information of the object on the network with the server, and the object The self-processing device or the second processing device that accesses the server inquires the server for location information on the network of the access-destination processing device, and performs a desired process based on the location information on the network obtained by the inquiry Access to an object of a device is performed using position information on the network.

  Further, the inter-device control method of the present invention is an inter-device control method in which the self-processing device controls a second device connected to the second processing device, and the computer of the self-processing device has the second processing device. During processing for obtaining control information of the second device connected to the processing device and controlled by the second processing device, and during predetermined control of the second device connected to the second processing device, Executing a predetermined command having a format similar to the interface in the processing apparatus and assigned with an identifier other than the own processing apparatus, and referring to the control information, a request corresponding to the predetermined command is transmitted to the second process. A process of transmitting to the apparatus and a process of using a response from the second processing apparatus as a result for the executed command are executed.

  In addition, the control of the first device connected to the own processing device specifies the connection port of the own processing device, and the control of the second device connected to the second processing device corresponds to the control. A port of a predetermined command to be set is set as a device other than the own processing device.

  The control information includes a function of the second device and an identifier for each function, and the self-processing device refers to the control information and stores information on an identifier corresponding to control of a desired function. It transmits to 2 processing apparatuses, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Further, the own processing apparatus is characterized in that the control information of the second device is acquired in advance and stored.

  In addition, the own processing apparatus acquires control information of the second device from the second processing apparatus.

  In addition, the control information of the second device is collected by a server to which the second processing device is connected, and the own processing device acquires the control information of the second device from the server. .

  The second processing device designates a connection port to which the second device is connected based on the control information of the second device at the time of a request from the own processing device, and the second device It is characterized by controlling.

  The inter-device control program of the present invention is an inter-device control program for controlling the first device connected to the own processing device or the second device connected to the second processing device. Processing for generating an object composed of a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name and argument information in the computer of the processing device, preset network information A process for obtaining information for accessing the object with reference to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the object, the object name, the function name, and the argument information in a predetermined packet Processing to select a port corresponding to the communication method and deliver the packet, the first connected to the corresponding own processing device the packet Equipment, or the second device is characterized in that to execute a process, to be transmitted to the connected second processor.

  The inter-device control system of the present invention is an inter-device control system in which the own processing device controls the first device connected to the own processing device or the second device connected to the second processing device. The self-processing apparatus includes an object generation unit that generates an object including a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name and argument information, and a preset network. A communication processing unit that obtains information for accessing the object with reference to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the information, the object name, the function name, and the argument information Is converted into a predetermined packet, a port corresponding to the communication method is selected, the packet processing unit delivering the packet, and the packet to the corresponding own processing device And having a communication unit that transmits connection to said first device or said second device is connected to said second processor.

  An inter-device control program according to the present invention is an inter-device control program for controlling a second device connected to the second processing device by the own processing device, wherein the second processing device stores the second processing device in the computer of the own processing device. During processing for obtaining control information of the second device connected to the processing device and controlled by the second processing device, and during predetermined control of the second device connected to the second processing device, The second processing device has a format similar to the interface in the processing device, causes a predetermined command to which an identifier other than the own processing device is assigned, to execute a request corresponding to the predetermined command with reference to the control information And a process of using a response from the second processing device as a result for the executed command.

  The inter-device control system of the present invention is an inter-device control system in which the self-processing device controls a second device connected to the second processing device, and the self-processing device is the second processing device. And an acquisition unit that acquires control information of the second device controlled by the second processing device, and a predetermined control for the second device connected to the second processing device. The second processing device has a format similar to the interface in the processing device, executes a predetermined command to which an identifier other than the own processing device is assigned, and refers to the control information to request corresponding to the predetermined command And an execution unit that uses the response from the second processing device as a result of the executed command, and a communication unit that transmits the request and receives a response to the request. To do.

  In addition, the self-processing device of the inter-device control system and the second processing device are network-connected.

  Further, the self-processing device of the inter-device control system and the second processing device are inter-CPU connections in the same device.

  According to the said structure, the own processing apparatus can directly control the 2nd apparatus connected to the 2nd processing apparatus. The second device is controlled by a program specific to the second processing device, but the self-processing device is a second device connected to the second processing device without adding a network communication program or the like. Can be controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily control a device connected to another processing apparatus without being conscious of communication between the processing apparatuses.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an inter-device control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration example of the first processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of access from the first processing apparatus to the second device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control program according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example for accessing the second device by the first processing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating a program in an embedded device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of access to a device connected to a different processing apparatus. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a series of flow of object reading by another apparatus. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which CPU A and CPU B transmit and receive data using a shared memory. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the calling of the public interface of the application. FIG. 11 is a chart showing a definition example of a public interface that can be remotely called. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of calling an application public interface. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of NAT traversal between apparatuses A and B. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control processing program of another conventional device connected to the network.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of an inter-device control method, an inter-device control program, and an inter-device control system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an inter-device control system according to an embodiment. In the inter-device control system 100, a first processing device 110 and a second processing device 120 are connected via a network 130.

  A first device 111 is connected to the first processing device 110, and the first processing device 110 controls the first device 111. A second device 121 is connected to the second processing device 120, and the second processing device 120 controls the second device 121.

  As described in FIG. 1, a plurality of second processing devices 120 can be connected via a network 130. A plurality of different second devices 121 (such as functions) can be connected to the second processing device 120. The second processing device 120 and the second device 121 can be identified by a unique ID.

  In the embodiment, the first processing device 110 is intended to directly control the second device 121 connected to the second processing device 120 via the network 130. It is assumed that the first processing device 110 and the second processing device 120 include a general-purpose communication I / F and a communication program that can be connected to the network 130.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration example of the first processing apparatus according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the first processing unit 110 includes a control unit (CPU) 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, a random access memory (RAM) 203, a storage unit 204 such as a semiconductor memory and a disk drive, and the like. , And a communication interface (I / F) 205. These CPU 201 to communication interface 205 are connected to each other by a bus 206.

  In addition, a first device 111 that is a controlled device is connected to the first processing apparatus 110 via a bus 206. The first device 111 may be configured to be connected via a communication interface (I / F) 205 or the like. Further, the first processing apparatus 110 can be configured such that a display 208, a keyboard 210, a mouse 211, a scanner 212, and a printer 213 are connected via a bus 206 or the like.

  The CPU 201 is an arithmetic processing device that governs overall control of the first processing device 110. The ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores a program of the first processing device 110 and the like. A RAM 203 is a volatile memory that is used as a work area when the CPU 201 executes a program calculation process.

  The communication interface 205 controls an internal interface with the network 130 and controls data input / output with the second processing device 120. Specifically, the communication interface 205 is connected to a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet, which becomes the network 130 through a communication line, and is connected to the second processing device 120 via the network 130. The For example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be employed as the communication interface 205.

  The display 208 is a device that displays control information of controlled devices (the first device 111 and the second device 121) by executing a program of the CPU 201. As the display 208, for example, a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be adopted.

  Similarly to the first processing device 110, the second processing device 120 can be configured by the hardware shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of access from the first processing apparatus to the second device according to the embodiment. An example of an intrusion detector in which the second device 121 (Y) monitors the intrusion of a person or the like in a predetermined monitoring area will be described.

  First, in the first processing apparatus (A) 110, the CPU 201 executes a program 301 such as an application, and this program 301 performs processing related to acquisition of monitoring information of the second device 121 (in the illustrated example, a Read function is used). call) (step S301), and a Read command is issued (step S302).

  Next, the lower layer of the program 301 interprets a command for the second device 121, refers to the processing table 302 in which the control information of the second device 121 is indicated, and obtains monitoring information of the second device 121. A command to be issued is issued (step S303). The processing table 302 is prepared in advance in the second processing device 120 to which the second device 121 is connected, and is created on the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 2 and can be held in the storage unit 204.

  In step S303, the first processing device 110 refers to the processing table 302 acquired from the second processing device 120 or the like. In addition, the first processing device 110 transmits the command issued in step S303 to the second processing device 120 corresponding to the processing table 302 via the general-purpose communication I / F. Here, the first processing device 110 does not transmit the command itself for controlling the second device 121 but interprets the command by referring to the processing table 302 and transmits a control request corresponding to this command. To do. The second processing device 120 has a processing table 302, and can perform control corresponding to the request transmitted from the first processing device 110 by referring to the processing table 302.

  The second processing device (B) 120 receives the Read command from the first processing device 110, acquires monitoring information from the second device 121 in response to the Read command (Step S304), Monitoring information is sent to the processing device 110 (step S305).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control program according to the embodiment. 4A is an example of a control program for the first device (X) 111 connected to the first processing apparatus 110. FIG. FIG. 4B is an example of a control program for the second device (Y) 121 connected to the second processing device 120.

  The control contents shown by the programs in FIGS. 4A and 4B are the same. As described above, the program contents are the same regardless of whether the controlled target (first device 111, second device 121) is connected to itself (first processing device 110). Therefore, when the programmer creates a program for the first processing device 110, the programmer communicates between the first processing device 110 and the second processing device 120 for the first device 111 and the second device 121. A program can be created without being aware of such processing.

  Further, even if a hardware change occurs due to a failure or a function change of the first device 111 or the second device 121 connected to the first processing device 110 or the second processing device 120, the processing table 302 is stored. The program (application layer software) shown in FIG. 4 is not changed only by the change.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example for accessing the second device by the first processing device according to the embodiment. In this example, when the second processing device 120 connected to the second device 121 is activated, the program 501 creates the function call table 502 as the processing table 302 described above. The function call table 502 is not limited to when the program 501 is started, but may be created at an arbitrary timing, or may be configured to be input manually from outside.

  The program 501 includes a process for creating a function call table 502 at startup, a process for obtaining monitoring information of the second device 121 (readPort), a process for performing a predetermined function operation on the read monitoring information, and the like. Are described (set).

  The function call table 502 includes the ID (ID1) of the second device 121 and the address of the port of the second processing device 120 to which the second device 121 is connected. In this example, the ID of the read port for reading the monitoring information from the second device 121 is set in ID1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, control functions such as writing (Write), starting (Start), and stopping (Stop) can be set for each ID.

  The setting of the function call table 502 is not limited to a character string such as “readPort” as illustrated in FIG. 5, but may be a numeric string such as “1001” indicating that a port is read.

  The communication processing task 503 executes communication processing (reception and transmission) with respect to the network 130 (with respect to the first processing device 110), and is applicable when the first processing device 110 requests the second device 121. The function call table 502 using the ID is searched, and the function operation of the program 501 corresponding to the request is executed.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for accessing the second device from the first processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described in order. First, when the program 501 of the second processing device 120 is activated, the function call table 502 is created (step S501).

  At this time, the program 501 detects the connection port of the second device 121 connected to the second processing device 120, and sets the function call table 502 to associate the readPort address with the ID of the function for reading the monitoring information. To create. Similarly, a predetermined ID (ID2 in the illustrated example) is set in the function call table 502 for the control (function calculation or the like) function that can be executed by the second processing device 120.

  Then, the first processing device 110 acquires the function call table 502 created by the second processing device 120 at an arbitrary timing. The acquisition timing of the function call table 502 is the first timing when the function of the second device 121 and the location of the second processing device 120 to which the second device 121 is connected are known. The processing device 110 directly accesses the second processing device 120 for acquisition.

  Not limited to this, when the second processing device 120 publishes the function call table 502 on the network 130, the first processing device 110 that refers to the published function call table 502 includes the first processing device 110. The first processing device 110 that desires to control the second device 121 (requests to acquire monitoring information) may access and acquire the second processing device 120.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the first processing device 110 performs control to acquire the monitoring information of the second device 121 with respect to the second processing device 120 (step S502). For example, the program 301 of the first processing device 110 executes a process (ObjY.readData ()) related to acquisition of monitoring information of the second device 121.

  In this case, the program 301 of the first processing device 110 issues a read command (readData ()) to the second device 121 (step S503). Then, the lower layer of the program 301 interprets a command for the second device 121, refers to the function call table 502 acquired from the second processing device 120, and acquires monitoring information of the second device 121. The request ID1 corresponding to the command (readPort (other)) for acquiring the monitoring information of the second device 121 is transmitted to the second processing device 120 by designating the identifier ID1 corresponding to (Step S504). Other indicates a port of another processing apparatus.

  Here, the first processing device 110 does not transmit the control command itself of the second device 121 to the second processing device 120, but by referring to the function call table 502, an identifier including the control content. Since only the ID needs to be transmitted, the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating a program in an embedded device. The first processing device 110 and the second processing device 120 according to the embodiment are used for embedded devices such as the above-described surveillance cameras and intrusion detectors, remote controllers and digital cameras, IC recorders, in-vehicle devices, and medical devices. ) Functions as a processing unit of a specific application device.

  The program 600 shown in FIG. 6 defines an object 602 and a command 603 of the control software 1 of the first processing apparatus 110 based on the class definition 601. The device A (first device 111) of the object 602 indicates that it is on its own computer (first processing device 110), and ObjA sets its own computer information in an internal flag (flg). The device Y (second device 121) of the object 602 indicates that it is on another computer (second processing device 120), and ObjY sets the information of the other computer in an internal flag (flg).

  The program 301 reads the data from the designated own interface (I / O port) if the command (603) for the read (readData) is for the own computer (first processing device 110), and sets the value. Return. Further, if it is for another computer (second processing device 120), it talks with the corresponding second processing device 120 and returns the returned value.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the description of the second processing apparatus 120, the communication processing task 503 receives the request ID 1 from the first processing apparatus 110 (step S505). The communication processing task 503 refers to the function call table 502 (step S506), and causes the program 501 to execute a function (readPort) corresponding to the identifier ID1 (step S507).

  Thereafter, the second processing apparatus 120 performs I / O port reading processing in response to the program 501 corresponding to ID1, reads the monitoring information of the corresponding second device 121 (readPort), and sends it to the communication processing task 503. Return (step S508).

  Then, the second processing device 120 transmits the monitoring information of the second device 121 read out as a result of the read port of the communication processing task 503 to the first processing device 110 (step S509).

  The first processing device 110 converts the monitoring information transmitted from the second device 121 as a response to readPort (other) issued by the program 301 into readData () (step S 510), and monitors the second device 121. As a result of the process related to information acquisition (ObjY.readData ()), the monitoring information of the corresponding second device 121 is acquired (step S511).

  According to the above processing, the first processing device 110 classifies whether the processing is within the device itself or the processing of the second processing device 120 according to an argument (access target name) specified by the program 301. At this time, for access to the outside (second processing device 120), the function calling table 502 acquired in advance is referred to and the corresponding second processing device 120 is accessed.

  Further, the communication processing task 503 and the function call table 502 of the second processing device 120 are not limited to software execution, and may be configured using hardware chips.

  In addition, as described above, the function call table 502 is not limited to being acquired by the first processing device 110, but may be configured to be disclosed on the network 130 by the second processing device 120. The function (Read, Write, Start, Stop) of the second device 121 indicated by the function call table 502 can be acquired and controlled (used) by any first processing device 110 on the network 130. Become.

  That is, the first processing apparatus 110 can know the function of the second device 121 connected to the second processing apparatus 120 by acquiring the function call table 502, and the first processing apparatus 110 The second device 121 connected to the second processing device 120 can be controlled while hiding the communication method (procedure) of the network 130.

  Thus, even when the second processing device 120 (second device 121) is installed in the same room or in a different place with respect to the first processing device 110 (first device 111), The second device 121 can be controlled without being limited to the installation location.

  For example, the first processing device 110 can control different monitoring functions of a first device 111 (for example, a monitoring camera) and a second device 121 (for example, a human body detector) having different functions provided in the same room. become. On the other hand, operations that cannot be processed by the first processing device 110 can be processed by the second processing device 120 at a remote location under the control of the first processing device 110.

  Furthermore, the function call table 502 can be held in a server on the network 130, and can be held as the function call table 502 for each of the plurality of second processing devices 120. Accordingly, the first processing device 110 that requests a predetermined function can easily search for the corresponding function (second device 121) by accessing the server, and the second device 121 is connected. The access to the second processing apparatus 120 thus made can be easily performed.

  According to the above embodiment, the first device and the second device connected to the own processing device or another processing device without depending on the CPU or OS of the first processing device and the second processing device. Can be easily controlled with or without network connection. In addition, memory read / write and function execution that are not in the processing apparatus can be performed in the same manner. Therefore, the first processing device and the second processing device are not limited to those connected to the network, and can be similarly applied to communication between different CPUs in the same device.

  Thereby, the first processing device is not limited to the closed control for the first device connected to the own processing device, but also communicates with the second device connected to the second processing device via a network or the like. Since it is possible to control without being aware of (protocol) and to create a program without being aware of communication, it becomes easy to create a program. That is, the first processing apparatus can control the second device without adding a network communication program or a dedicated I / F interposed therebetween.

  The function call table is updated when the second device connected to the second processing apparatus is replaced or added due to a failure or specification change. Thereby, even if the function of the second device is changed, the first processing device can control the desired second device only by referring to the function call table. In addition, even if the second device is replaced, the program change can be made unnecessary.

  Even in an embedded device having a function for a specific purpose, the function can be expanded by controlling other devices. Also, a general-purpose information processing apparatus can easily control a device having a desired function. Specifically, it is not limited to standards such as ECHONET and AUTOSAR, and any other device can be controlled without providing a dedicated I / F or a dedicated communication program.

(Specific example of seamless device access independent of physical location)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of access to a device connected to a different processing apparatus. The first processing device (device A) and 701, and the second processing device (device B) 702 are an application program 703, a core layer 704, a communication device that communicates with the outside, and a board in the device, respectively. And an access processing implementation unit 705 and a platform (hardware, OS, driver) 706.

  The communication layer 1 (705a) of the device A can access the device 721 of the device B through the network 710 in addition to accessing the device 711 directly connected to the device. The communication layer 2 (705b) can access the board 712 and the like in the apparatus. Similarly, the communication layer 1 (705a) of the device B can access the device 711 of the device A via the network 710 in addition to accessing the device 721 directly connected to the device. The communication layer 2 (705b) can access the board 722 and the like in the apparatus.

  The core layer 704 includes a basic class library 731, a processing unit X732, a communication method abstraction layer 1 (733), a communication method abstraction layer 2 (734), a platform abstraction layer 1 (735), and a platform abstraction. Layer 2 (736). The Basic Class Library 731 manages a plurality of objects, for example, various objects such as I / O processing, real-time monitoring, event monitoring, monitoring, data collection, and batch setting.

The processing unit X732 performs the following types 1 to 3 in response to the object-related processing called from the Basic Class Library 731.
1. For processing requested by the application program, it is confirmed whether the object exists in the application, exists on the LAN, or further exists on the WAN.
2. A process of extracting the actual name (name) specified in each processing request called from the application program via the Basic Class Library 731 is performed. The actual state of this name is preset in the network settings.
3. When the object exists on the LAN / WAN, a communication path for the object is secured and a request is transmitted / received.

  The communication system abstraction layer 1 (733) is an I / F for abstracting communication processing called from the processing unit X732. Each function of the communication system abstraction layer 1 (733) calls a function of the communication layer 1 (705a) in which individual communication processing for each access target is implemented.

  The platform abstraction layer 1 (735) is an I / F for abstracting platform-dependent processing called from the Basic Class Library 731. Among the functions of the platform abstraction layer 1 (735), the communication layer 2 (705b) that implements an RTOS process that is realized by adapting an individual access process to each access target or a function provided by the OS, etc. Call a function.

  The communication layer 1 (705a) is an implementation unit of individual communication processing for each access target called from the communication method abstraction layer 2 (734). Processing unit X732 → VCL733 → Access target is specified by an argument (handle) passed via communication method abstraction layer 2 (734), and a corresponding mounting process is performed.

  The communication layer 2 (705b) is an implementation unit that creates individual access processing to each access target called from the platform abstraction layer 2 (736) and RTOS processing realized by adapting functions provided by the OS. is there. The access target is specified by an argument (handle) passed via the processing unit X732 → platform abstraction layer 1 (735) → platform abstraction layer 2 (736), and a corresponding mounting process is performed.

(Example of device control from device A to device A and device B)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a series of flow of object reading by another apparatus. In the following, description will be made in the order of processing flow.

1. In the device A, first, an object is generated by designating a name by the application program 703 and a function of the object is called.
2. Next, the processing unit X732 solves the communication method and communication parameters (position information) for accessing the object by the object name based on the contents of the Network Configuration Data 800.
3.4. Then, the processing unit X732 converts the object name, the function name, and the argument information into packets, and through the abstraction layers 733 to 736, 2. This is handed over to the port that implements the communication method solved in (1). At this time, the packet going out of the device A is subjected to predetermined encryption.

5). In the device B, the processing unit X732 receives the packet and decrypts the encrypted packet. Furthermore, the object name, function name, and argument information are restored from the byte data, and the actual state of the printing process is called.
6). As for the actual state of the printing process, actual printing is performed via the platform abstraction layer 1 (735) / platform abstraction layer 2 (736).
7). The platform abstraction layer 1 (735) / platform abstraction layer 2 (736) receives a return value as a result of the printing process.
8). The communication system abstraction layer 1 (733) / communication system abstraction layer 2 (734) converts the return value into a packet, encrypts it, and transmits it to the caller (device A).
9. The processing unit X732 of the device A receives the packet including the return value and decrypts the encrypted packet.
10. The Basic Class Library 731 returns a return value to the caller (application program 703).

  In the above processing, when the application program 703 of the device A accesses the printer X connected to the own device A to perform printing processing, processing of 1.2.2.3.4.7.10 is executed. At this time, the processing unit X732 resolves the connection destination based on the serial port information of the printer X connected to the device A by using the Network Configuration Data 800 for the actual state of the name.

  Further, when the application program 703 of the device A accesses the printer Y connected to the other device B and performs printing processing, -10. Are sequentially executed. At this time, the processing unit X732 resolves the connection destination based on the connection method to the device B (external communication, location information such as an address, etc.) using the Network Configuration Data 800.

(Example of communication control between CPUABs)
In the above description, an example of control of devices connected to different devices A and B has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to control of communication between the CPUs A and B.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which CPU A and CPU B transmit and receive data using a shared memory. A function call between the CPUs A and B in the same apparatus via the shared memory 900 is also possible. Specifically, when the application program 703 of the CPU A accesses the printer Y connected to the other apparatus B to perform the printing process, the CPU 1. -10. Are sequentially executed. The processing unit X732 resolves the connection destination based on the information of the connection method to the device B (external communication, CPUB) by using the Network Configuration Data 800 based on the actual name.

  In this case, the communication method abstraction layer 1 (733) and the communication method abstraction layer 2 (734) can be dealt with only by replacing them with the porting layer mounted via the shared memory 900. The application program 703 of the device A can execute the process seamlessly without any difference from the example in the case of via the network shown in FIG.

(Example 1 of application public interface call)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the calling of the public interface of the application. A user extended classes 1001 is provided between the application program 703 and the basic class library 731. The User Extended Classes 1001 inherits the Basic Class Library 731 class, defines its own class, and publishes the function in a form that can be called from the outside of the device A. In the example of FIG. 10, User Extended Classes 1001 defines a User Printer class that inherits the printer class, and shows a flow when this function is called between apparatuses A and B.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the application program 703 of the device A accesses the printer X connected to the own device A and performs the printing process, the process of 1.2.2.3.4.7.10 is executed. . At this time, the processing unit X732 resolves the connection destination based on the information of the serial port of the printer X connected to the device A by using Network Configuration Data.

  Further, when the application program 703 of the device A accesses the printer Y connected to the other device B and performs printing processing, -10. Are sequentially executed. At this time, the processing unit X732 resolves the connection destination based on the connection method to the device B (external communication, location information such as an address, etc.) using the Network Configuration Data 800.

  And in User Extended Classes 1001, 10. A User Printer class that inherits the printer class is defined and published on a network, for example. This makes it possible to access the corresponding device (device) based on the User Printer class to which other devices B, C,.

  FIG. 11 is a chart showing a definition example of a public interface that can be remotely called. The example shown in FIG. 11 is an example in which an interface is defined by a structure expressed in C language, and a remote call is made by name from another device.

  As shown in the figure, the argument list and the return value list have pointers to functions for packetizing the size of the type and data of the type, and restoring from the packet. By registering these as a list of public interfaces together with an interface name and a pointer to a function that implements the interface, it is possible to call them from other external devices.

  Furthermore, this information and the location information obtained from the Network Configuration Data 800 are broadcast to the network, and each node (device A, B, C,...) Holds the information so that each device is open to the public. Interface information can be shared.

(Example 2 of calling application public interface)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of calling an application public interface. As shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible to define a function of a plurality of objects as a function group X in the application object itself and to open an interface for using the function group X.

  In the example of FIG. 12, when the device A accesses the device B, the above 1. -10. Access is performed in the same procedure, and in the course of which the apparatus B obtains the totaled result 6.7. A database class and a printer class are created, and the database class is registered in the database 1200. In addition, a summary result is output from the printer Y as a report.

  The application program 703 of the device B exposes the function group X to the outside as an external interface connected to the device B. Also, the function group of the device A is registered in the database 1200.

(About NAT traversal)
In the network connection between devices A and B, for example, by registering information for NAT traversal regarding the problem that the host belonging to the private network using the NAT device on the other side cannot be directly specified (cannot pass through NAT). Solvable.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of NAT traversal between apparatuses A and B. When accessing an object beyond the NAT, the location information of the object is managed by the location server 1300 between the apparatuses A and B. In the example of FIG. 13, when the device B is activated, the object registers its position information in the location server 1300 (step S1301).

  The processing unit X732 of the device A that accesses the device B inquires the location server 1300 about the position information of the access destination object prior to communication (step S1302). The device A can access the remote object of the device B using the position information obtained as a result of the inquiry (the gateway address of the device B of the Network Configuration Data 800). The position information once resolved can be cached in the memory or the like of the device A and called at high speed without making an inquiry to the location server 1300 at the next call.

  As described above, the present invention provides various processing devices that control devices other than the devices connected to the processing device, for example, embedded devices having general-purpose functions, general-purpose information processing devices, and software thereof. Useful for development.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Inter-device control system 110 1st processing apparatus 111 1st apparatus 120 2nd processing apparatus 121 2nd apparatus 130 Network 201 Control part (CPU)
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Storage Unit 205 Communication Interface 206 Bus 301 Program 302 Processing Table 501 Program 502 Function Call Table 503 Communication Processing Task

Claims (16)

An inter-device control method in which a self-processing device controls a first device connected to the self-processing device or a second device connected to a second processing device,
The computer of its own processing device
Generating an object consisting of a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name, and argument information;
By referring to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the preset network information, obtaining information for accessing the object,
Convert the object name, function name, and argument information into a predetermined packet, select a port corresponding to the communication method, and deliver the packet,
Transmitting the packet to the first device connected to the corresponding own processing device or the second processing device connected to the second device;
A device-to-device control method. The second processing device includes:
Restore the object name, function name, argument information from the received packet, execute control processing,
The return value of the execution result is converted into a predetermined packet and transmitted to the first processing device,
The first processing device includes:
Receiving the return value transmitted by the second processing device;
The inter-device control method according to claim 1. A server is provided between the self-processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus;
The own processing device or the second processing device registers position information of the object on the network with the server,
The own processing device or the second processing device that accesses the object inquires the server for location information on the network of the processing device to be accessed,
Based on the position information on the network obtained by the inquiry, the object of the desired processing device is accessed using the position information on the network.
The inter-device control method according to claim 1 or 2. An inter-device control method in which the own processing device controls a second device connected to a second processing device,
The computer of its own processing device
Processing for acquiring control information of the second device connected to the second processing device and controlled by the second processing device;
At the time of predetermined control for the second device connected to the second processing apparatus, the predetermined command having the same format as the interface within the own processing apparatus and assigned with an identifier other than the own processing apparatus is executed. ,
A process of referring to the control information and transmitting a request corresponding to the predetermined command to the second processing device;
Processing using a response from the second processing device as a result of the executed command;
An inter-device control method characterized in that To control the first device connected to the own processing device, specify the connection port of the own processing device,
Control of the second device connected to the second processing device sets a port of a predetermined command corresponding to the control as other than the own processing device.
The inter-device control method according to claim 4. The control information includes a function of the second device and an identifier for each function,
The own processing apparatus refers to the control information, and transmits information on an identifier corresponding to control of a desired function to the second processing apparatus.
The inter-device control method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that   The inter-device control method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the own processing apparatus acquires the control information of the second device in advance and stores and holds the information.   The inter-device control method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the own processing device acquires control information of the second device from the second processing device. The server to which the second processing device is connected collects the control information of the second device,
The inter-device control method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the own processing device acquires control information of the second device from the server.   The second processing device designates a connection port to which the second device is connected and controls the second device based on the control information of the second device at the time of a request from the own processing device. The inter-device control method according to claim 4, wherein the inter-device control method is performed. An inter-device control program for controlling the first device connected to the self-processing device or the second device connected to the second processing device,
In the computer of its own processing device,
A process for generating an object comprising a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name, and argument information;
A process of obtaining information for accessing the object with reference to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the preset network information;
A process of converting the object name, function name, and argument information into a predetermined packet, selecting a port corresponding to the communication method, and delivering the packet;
Processing for transmitting the packet to the first device connected to the corresponding own processing device or the second processing device connected to the second device;
An inter-device control program characterized in that An inter-device control system in which the own processing device controls a first device connected to the own processing device or a second device connected to the second processing device,
The self-processing device
An object generation unit that generates an object including a name for controlling the first device or the second device to be controlled, a function name, and argument information;
A communication processing unit that obtains information for accessing the object with reference to the communication method and communication parameters of the first device or the second device included in the preset network information;
A packet processor that converts the object name, function name, and argument information into a predetermined packet, selects a port corresponding to the communication method, and delivers the packet;
A communication unit that transmits the packet to the first device connected to the corresponding own processing device or the second processing device connected to the second device;
A device-to-device control system comprising: An inter-device control program for controlling the second device connected to the second processing device by the own processing device,
In the computer of its own processing device,
Processing for acquiring control information of the second device connected to the second processing device and controlled by the second processing device;
At the time of predetermined control for the second device connected to the second processing device, a predetermined command having the same format as the interface in the own processing device and assigned with an identifier other than the own processing device is executed.
A process of referring to the control information and transmitting a request corresponding to the predetermined command to the second processing device;
Processing using a response from the second processing device as a result of the executed command;
An inter-device control program characterized in that An inter-device control system in which the own processing device controls a second device connected to a second processing device,
The self-processing device
An acquisition unit connected to the second processing apparatus and acquiring control information of the second device controlled by the second processing apparatus;
At the time of predetermined control for the second device connected to the second processing device, a predetermined command having the same format as the interface within the own processing device and assigned with an identifier other than the own processing device is executed.
Sending a request corresponding to the predetermined command to the second processing device with reference to the control information;
An execution unit that uses a response from the second processing device as a result of the executed command;
A communication unit that transmits the request and receives a response to the request;
A device-to-device control system comprising:   The inter-device control system according to claim 14, wherein the self-processing device and the second processing device are connected to each other via a network.   The inter-device control system according to claim 14, wherein the self-processing device and the second processing device are inter-CPU connections in the same device.

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