JP2002358199A - Component system and component preparing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily carry out the cooperation or integration of equipment/system under different environments by combining already existing software components without changing them. SOLUTION: Desired software components among already existing software components 30 are made as constituting elements, and added with sequencing and regularity so as to be processed in a prescribed process, and cooperatively operated. Then, an execution process for executing the operation management of a whole prescribed process and the operation management of software components 20 and 30 as constituting elements is prepared in prescribed language, and the execution process prepared in the prescribed language is converted so as to be operated suitably to the environment of the prescribed system, and the active component 20 for executing the desired software component as the constituting elements is generated according to the executing process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a component system and a component creation method. For more information,
Components that can be used in combination without changing existing software components, and that can easily cooperate and integrate devices / systems in different environments without depending on the system environment such as software and hardware. The present invention relates to a system and a component creation method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the prior art, as a method of software design and development, a set of related data and a procedure (method) for the data are managed as one unit called "object", and software is constructed by a combination thereof. Software design / development is performed based on the concept of object orientation.

When designing / developing software based on object orientation, it is possible to use existing "objects" or construct new software by combining them. The "object" used is
It is not necessary to know the details of its internal structure or operating principle, and when a predetermined calling procedure is executed from the outside, a predetermined function is executed. Therefore, particularly when developing a large-scale software, efficient development is performed. It can be performed.

[0004] Based on such an object-oriented concept, an "object" is regarded as a software having a single function / minimum functions, ie, a component (software that is made into parts), and the necessary components are combined to meet the purpose. The technology called componentware for developing software is becoming widespread, and the distribution of componentized software, ie, components, is also increasing.

[0005] On the other hand, so-called distributed computing, in which computers (systems) are connected to each other via a network and processing is shared and executed, is generally performed, and the object-oriented concept is applied to this. In addition, there is a mechanism in which the functions (= components) of the respective computers (systems) are used as needed via a network or are processed in cooperation with each other.

[0006]

However, even if a component that is a componentized software is a component created in conformity with the same specification (for example, developed in the same C ++ language), the vendor that creates the component. (Makers) view components differently. In other words, when creating an application that has a certain function, the method of analyzing the function, the method of defining it, and the design method differ. When performing development, there is a problem that it cannot be used / diverted (reused) as it is, and programming for filling the difference must be performed.

As described above, an application alone can be developed by combining components, but on the other hand, a network environment such as the Internet has been prepared, and e-business (electronic commerce) has been rapidly progressing. Another problem is that it is difficult to cooperate / integrate systems on different platforms, such as the coordination of information systems owned by each company and the coordination of legacy systems and Web systems with development.

[0008] Further, there is a need to quickly build an information system suitable for a new management style, and the development cycle of new products has been shortened with the spread of information home appliances and the like. Cost reduction,
Shortening the development period is becoming an issue.

Therefore, existing software components can be used in combination without modification, and cooperation / integration between devices / systems in different environments without depending on the usage environment of software, hardware, etc. Has a problem that must be solved in order to be able to carry out easily.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, a component system and a component creation method according to the present invention are configured as follows.

(1) An existing software component that performs one or more functions and a desired software component among the existing software components as constituent elements in order to perform a desired object An execution process for controlling the operation of the predetermined process as a whole and managing the operation of each of the software components as components as well as the ordering and regularity for processing in the predetermined process and the linked components to operate in a linked manner; Process in a predetermined language, and an active process that operates according to a predetermined system environment according to the execution process.
Means for generating a component, wherein the active component executes a desired software component made into the component according to the execution process to perform the object. (2) The component system according to (1), wherein the object is a distributed object. (3) The component system according to (1), wherein the execution process generation means has a function of searching for a location of the software component as a component. (4) The means for generating the active component converts the execution process into intermediate data in a format suitable for the environment of a predetermined system, and generates an active component based on the converted intermediate data. The component system according to (1). (5) The component system according to (4), wherein the conversion to the intermediate data is based on the Java (R) language. (6) The active component has a function of automatically disappearing from a system in which the active component operates, and / or a function of automatically saving itself in a system in which the active component operates. The component system according to (1) or (4). (7) The component system according to (1), wherein the existing software component includes an active component generated in advance, and data necessary for performing the object. (8) The language for creating the execution process generation means is X
ML (extensible Markup Lang)
(1) the component system according to (1).

(9) Existing software components for executing a single or a plurality of functions are prepared in advance,
In order to carry out a desired object, a desired software component among the existing software components is made into a component, and is operated in a sequence and regularity for processing in a predetermined process. An execution process for managing the operation of the predetermined process as a whole and each operation of the software component as a component is created in a predetermined language, and the execution process created in the predetermined language is written in a predetermined language. A method for creating a component, comprising generating an active component that executes a desired software component that has been made into the component according to the execution process, by converting the component to operate according to the environment of the system. (10) The component creation method according to (9), wherein the object is a distributed object. (11) The component creation method according to (9), wherein the execution process has a function of searching for the location of the software component as a component. (12) The generation of the active component is characterized in that the execution process is converted into intermediate data in a format compatible with a predetermined system environment, and an active component is generated based on the converted intermediate data. The component creation method according to (9). (13) The component creation method according to (12), wherein the conversion into the intermediate data is based on the Java (R) language. (14) The active component has a function of automatically disappearing from a system in which the active component operates, and / or a function of automatically saving itself in a system in which the active component operates. (9) or (1)
Component creation method according to 2). (15) The existing software components are:
The component creation method according to (9), further including an active component that has been generated in advance, and data necessary for performing the object. (16) The language for creating the execution process is XML
(EXtensibleMarkup Language)
e) The component creating method according to (9), wherein

In such a component system and a component creating method, an execution process created in a predetermined language is a description of a process for performing a target process using an existing software component and data necessary for the process. Designing the target software = When creating the execution process in a predetermined language, the design can be performed without being aware of differences in hardware and differences between existing components to be used. .

On the other hand, the active component is generated after being converted into a form executable by predetermined hardware by means for generating the active component based on the execution process, so that the active component is diverted to a desired device / system. It is possible to change the existing software component assets and hardware environment of devices and systems by creating active components suitable for the devices and systems in advance and introducing them to the devices and systems to be linked / integrated. Seamless cooperation / integration becomes possible Further, it is possible to perform cooperation / integration by introducing the means for generating the active component itself in conformity with existing equipment and systems.

The active component is a component of an existing software component in a predetermined process, and operates in cooperation with the ordering and regularity in order to process the predetermined process. Since only the mediation processing between existing software components such as managing the operation of each software component is performed, there is no need for programming or the like to bridge the differences between the existing components to be used. It can be used without changing components.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of a component system and a component creation method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are for explanation only, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic diagram of a component system. Description data 10 is a data file that describes an order for performing a predetermined process using existing software components and the like.
Is generated based on the software CP = active CP20 which is an active component, existing CP30 which is an existing software component, and hardware 1000 which generates the active CP20.

The description data 10 corresponds to the existing software
Component (Active CP20, Existing CP30)
And other descriptive data 10 and the like are used as constituent elements, and are operated in conjunction with the ordering and regularity for processing in a predetermined process. An execution process for performing operation management is, for example, XML (extensible).
Specific hardware and software (OS; Operating; Operating Markup Language)
System, etc.), and is created in a language for describing a structure for executing a certain process. The predetermined process includes, for example, a calling step for making a call or a processing request, a notifying step for notifying a method of notifying various processing results, a procedure instructing step for indicating an order accompanying the calling step or the notifying step, and a desired existing software component ( Active CP20,
A search topology indicating a search mode for searching for the existing CP 30), the description data 10, and the like, data required for the processing of the active CP 20, and the like are combined and ordered according to regularity so as to execute predetermined processing. Thing (= structure). It is needless to say that description data created (described) in a format other than XML may be used as long as it can describe a structure for executing a certain process without depending on specific hardware or software. It is.

According to the description data 10, the active CP 20 activates an active C
The existing software components (active CP2) are generated by the P generation unit 100 and described in the order described.
0, the existing CP 30) is used (called) to perform the desired processing.

The existing CP 30 is an existing software component or system having a function of executing a predetermined process, and is created in a program language such as generally available software / application, Java (R), and C ++. Currently available (running) components and software, such as componentized software components, software / applications that operate in combination with components, and corporate systems that perform predetermined business processes using the software / applications , Applications, and a system configured and operated by these.

The hardware 1000 includes the communication handler 1
10, virtual machine 120, meta-language processor 13
0, a component processor 140, an active CP generation unit 100, and a meta-language schema 2
00 and a program processor 210.

The communication handler 110 stores description data 10/10 between the virtual machine 120 of the active CP generator 100 and other hardware via the network.
The exchange control of the active CP 20 is performed by a predetermined communication protocol. The virtual machine 120 fetches the description data 10 obtained directly or from other hardware via the communication handler 110, and
To execute the active CP 20 generated by the meta-language processor 130 or the component processor 140, or to the other hardware via the communication handler 110. The meta-language processor 130 refers to the meta-language schema 200 according to the description data 10 sent from the virtual machine 120, converts the data into intermediate data 10 ′ (program language) in a format suitable for predetermined hardware, and converts the data. The intermediate data 10 'is sent to the virtual machine 120 or the component processor 140. The component processor 140 processes the intermediate data 10 ′ from the meta-language processor 130 in cooperation with the program processor 210, generates a component in a form executable by predetermined hardware = active CP 20, and returns it to the virtual machine 120. . Meta Language Schema 2
00 gives a possible structure (flow of processing order = form) of the description data 10 in predetermined hardware in cooperation with the meta-language processor 130. The program processor 210 transmits the intermediate data 10 ′ (for example, Java
(R) or a program created in a programming language such as C ++) is converted (compiled) into an executable format and sent to the component processor 140.

The process of generating an active component by the hardware 1000 having such an active CP generation unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The active CP 20 includes a static active component and a dynamic active component generated in accordance with the description data 10. As a common process for generating both active components, FIG.
As shown in (1), first, the active CP generation unit 100 of the hardware 1000 reads the predetermined description data 10 and sends it to the meta-language processor 130. The meta-language processor 130 analyzes the read description data 10 and refers to the meta-language schema 200 to use the existing CP3 to be used.
0, other active CPs 20, other descriptive data 10, required data 40, etc., are operated in an order and regularity for processing in a predetermined process, and the entire predetermined process is performed. An execution process for managing the operation of each of the existing CP 30, the other active CP 20, the other description data 10, the required data 40, and the like to be used is generated as intermediate data 10 'in a format suitable for predetermined hardware. .

Next, a process of generating a static active component will be described with reference to FIG.

First, create (develop) desired software
Requirement definition to perform → Outline design, design function details, interface design, database details, etc., and determine existing software components to be used.
Next, according to a diagram (processing flow) 2 or the like created based on these design specifications, for example, UML (Uni)
The description data 10 described in XML or the like is created using a design support tool such as a fed modeling language (design tool) 4.

The created description data 10 is input to the meta-language processor 130 of the active component generation unit 100 of the hardware 1000. The meta-language processor 130 analyzes the description data 10 and generates the intermediate data 10 ′ in a format suitable for predetermined hardware with reference to the meta-language schema 200, as in the description of FIG. Send to 140. The component processor 140 includes the program processor 21
In cooperation with “0”, software = static active CP in a state where the intermediate data 10 ′ can be executed by predetermined hardware is generated. Then, when a trigger for instructing activation is generated, the virtual machine 120 executes the active CP 20.

Next, the process of generating a dynamic active component will be described with reference to FIG.

The dynamic active component starts generation by a trigger that indicates activation. First, when a trigger occurs, predetermined description data 10 is read into predetermined hardware such as the virtual machine 120. The description data 10 may include data 40 necessary for processing in a predetermined process and the existing CP 30. Subsequently, when the virtual machine 120 reads the description data 10, if the virtual machine 120 includes the data 40 or the existing CP 30,
The data 40 and the existing CP 30 are extracted, and the descriptive data 10 excluding these is sent to the meta-language processor 130.

The meta-language processor 130 is the same as that shown in FIG.
In the same manner as described above, the data 40 and the description data 10 from which the existing CP 30 is extracted are analyzed, the intermediate data 10 ′ in a format suitable for predetermined hardware is generated with reference to the meta-language schema 200, and the component processor 140 Send to If the existing CP 30 to be used is created in a different program language, intermediate data 10 ′ of a different format is generated for each existing CP 30, and the respective intermediate data 10 ′ is temporarily stored in the virtual machine 120 or the like. You may make it. Next, the component processor 140 cooperates with the program processor 210 to generate software = dynamic active component in a state where the intermediate data 10 ′ can be processed by predetermined hardware. Then, the generated dynamic active component performs processing according to a predetermined process in predetermined hardware. If the data 40 and the existing CP 30 exist, the processing is performed using these data.

The active component (static active CP and dynamic active C
An example of the process of executing a process using the existing CP according to P) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when a trigger for instructing activation of the active CP 20 occurs, the hardware 1000 sends the description data 10a to the virtual machine 12 according to the trigger request.
0, the meta-language processor 130 analyzes the description data, generates intermediate data 10 ′ in a format suitable for predetermined hardware with reference to the meta-language schema 200,
Send to component processor 140. The component processor 140 cooperates with the program processor 210 to generate a dynamic active CP 20a capable of executing the processing of the intermediate data 10 'with predetermined hardware.

The generated dynamic active CP 20a is
Processing is performed in the order of process P1 → P2 → P3 → P4 or process P1 → P2 → P4.

The process P1 is a process for calling the active CP 20b (generated from the description data 10b), and the process P2 is a process for determining which of the processes P3 and P4 is to be performed according to the description data 10a. The process P3 has (description data 1
The process P4 is a process for calling the active CP 20c (generated from 0c), and the process P4 is a process for performing a process in the active CP 20a.

First, the active CP 20a calls the active CP 20b by the process P1. Next, it is determined whether the process P3 or the process P4 is performed in the process P2 according to the description data. When performing the process P3, the active CP 20c is called, and when performing the process P4, the active CP 20c is called.
A predetermined process is performed in P20a.

On the other hand, the active CP 20b called in the process P1 is changed to the process P10 → P11 → P12 →
P14 → P15 or process P10 → P11 →
Processing is performed in the order of P13 → P14 → P15.

The process P10 is a process for calling the existing CP 30a, and the process P11 is a process for calling the description data 10b.
Is a process for determining which of the process P12 and the process P13 is to be performed in accordance with
2 is a process for calling the active CP 20e (generated from the description data 10e).
The process P14 is a process of reading and executing the description data 10d. The process P14 is a process of calling the existing CP 30c subsequent to the process P12 or the process P13. The process P15 performs a predetermined process in the active CP 20b. .

First, the active CP 20b calls the existing CP 30a in the process P10. Next, in the process P11, it is determined whether the process P12 or the process P13 is performed according to the description data 10b.
When performing the process P12, the active CP 20e (generated from the description data 10e) is called, and the called active CP 20e calls the existing CP 30b that is a process according to the description data 10e. Process P13
Is performed, the description data 10d is read, the active CP 20d is generated, and the generated active CP 20d is generated.
20d calls the existing CP 30b according to the description data 10d. Subsequently, in the process P14, the existing CP 30c is called, and finally, in the process P15, the active CP 20c is called.
A predetermined process is performed in b.

On the other hand, the active CP 20c called in the process P3 becomes the process P20 → P21 → P22
→ P24 → P25 or process P20 → P21
Processing is performed in the order of → P23 → P24 → P25.

The process P20 is a process for calling the existing CP 30c, and the process P21 is a process for calling the description data 10c.
Is a process for determining which of the process P22 and the process P23 is to be performed in accordance with
No. 2 is a process for calling the existing CP 30e, a process P23 is a process for calling the existing CP 30d, and a process P24 is a process for calling the existing CP 30f following either the process P22 or the process P23. Performs a predetermined process in the active CP 20c.

First, the active CP 20c calls the existing CP 30c in the process P20. Next, process P
At 21, it is determined whether the process P22 or the process P23 is to be performed according to the description data 10c. When performing the process P22, the existing CP 30e is called,
When performing the process P23, the existing CP 30d is called. Subsequently, in the process P24, the existing CP 30f is called, and finally, the process in the active CP 20b is performed in the process P15.

As described above, the existing CP 30a finally called according to the order described in the description data 10a
30f performs a specific process, thereby performing a target process.

Next, an example in which such active components are exchanged between nodes connected by a network to execute a desired process will be described with reference to FIG.

The node A 400 can communicate with the node B 410 using a predetermined communication protocol, and includes a description including a plurality of description data 11 to 13 describing an order for performing a predetermined process using an existing software component. Active CPs 20, 21 and 22 which are active components that execute predetermined processing using data 10 and existing software components generated according to the described data and using the existing software components according to the described process.
And existing CPs 31, 32, and 33, which are native components in the node A400, and operate in combination with each other.

The node B 410 can communicate with the node A 400 by a predetermined communication protocol, has a function of reading description data to generate and execute an active component, and has a function of existing CP 35 which is a native component in the node B 410. , 36 and operate in combination with each other.

Such a node A400 and a node B41
A case in which the node A 400 executes desired processing using the existing CPs 35 and 36 of the node B 410 between 0 and 0 will be described.

The node A 400 transfers the description data 13 describing a process for executing a desired process using the existing CPs 35 and 36 of the node B 410 to the node B 410 using the network. The communication protocol at the time of transfer is not limited as long as it is a protocol capable of communicating between nodes.

When receiving the description data 13 from the node A 400, the node B 410 receives the description data 13
(See FIGS. 2 to 4). The generated active CP 23 is, for example, a process P40 → P41 → P42 → P44 → P45 or a process P40 → P41 → P43 → P44 → P45.
Is an active component that performs processing in the following order.

The process P40 is a process for calling the existing CP 35, and the process P41 is a process for determining which of the process P42 and the process P43 is to be performed according to the description data 13.
Is a process for making a processing request to the active CP 20 in the node A400 and receiving a notification of the processing result from the active CP 20, a process P43 is a process for calling the existing CP 36, and a process P44 is a process P4
The process P45 is a process for calling the active CP 21 in the node A400 following the process 2 or the process P43, and the process P45 is a process executed in the node B410.

First, the generated active CP 23
In the process P40, the existing CP 35 is called. Next, it is determined whether the process P42 or the process P43 is performed in the process P41. When the process P42 is performed, the node A 40
0 to the active CP 20 in the node B
The active CP 20 in the node A 400 that has received the processing request from the active CP 23 in 410 executes a predetermined process, and notifies the active CP 23 of the result. When performing the process P43, the existing CP 36 is called. Subsequently, when the active CP 23 terminates either the process P42 or the process P43, in the process P44, the node A4 uses a predetermined communication protocol.
The processing request is sent to the active CP 21 in 00. The active CP 21 in the node A400, according to the processing request,
For example, when performing a predetermined process using the existing CP 33 of the node A 400, the description data 14 including the existing CP 33 is transferred to the node B 410. Node B410
Receives the description data 14 from the node A 400, extracts the existing CP 33 according to the description data 14, generates the active CP 24, and
A predetermined process is executed using. And active C
When P24 finishes executing the predetermined process, the active C
P24 is automatically deleted from within Node B 410;
Alternatively, it can be stored in a predetermined location in the Node B 410. Finally, a predetermined process is performed in the node B 410 by the process P45, and the active C
The process of P23 ends.

As described above, the node A 400 sends the description data 13 to the node B 410, and the node B 410 generates the active CP 23, and the existing CPs 35 and 36 of the node B 410 and the existing CPs 31 to 33 of the node A 400. The target processing can be executed by a predetermined process in cooperation with the active CP.

Next, a specific embodiment using an active component will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the operation when processing is performed using existing software components created in different programming languages will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, an existing CP 30B written in the C ++ language, which is an existing software component,
The case where the processing is performed by the existing CP 30C and the existing CP 30D created in the VB (Visual Basic) language and the component 30A that performs the intended processing created in the Java (R) language will be described.

The first method (→→→→→ in FIG. 7)
) Will be described. Description data 10A describing a process of calling the existing CP 30B and the existing CP 30C using the component 30A and performing a predetermined process is created in a predetermined language such as XML. Then, when the component 30A instructs the activation of the description data 10A by the trigger A, the active CP2 is activated in accordance with the description data 10A.
0A is generated. Active CP20A generated
Performs the process in the order of process P50 → P51 → P52 → P53 or process P50 → P51 → P53.

The process P50 is a process for calling the existing CP 30B created in the C ++ language.
1 is a process for determining which process of the process P52 or the process P53 is to be performed.
Is a process for calling the existing CP 30C (database) created in the VB language, and the process P53 is a process for performing the process in the active CP 20A and notifying the component 30A of the processing result.

The generated active CP 20A is the same as the existing CP created in C ++ language in process P50.
Call 30B. Next, in process P51, process P
52 or the process P53 directly. When performing the process P52, the existing CP 30C (database) created in the VB language is called, and then the process P53 is performed. Subsequently, the active CP 23
When the process P52 is terminated directly from the process 51 or when the process P52 is terminated, the process P53 is executed, and the processing result is displayed in Java
(R) Notify the component 30A created in the language. The component 30A receives the notification of the processing result, and performs a predetermined process according to the process in the component 30A based on the notification.

Next, the second method (A → B → C → D in FIG. 7)
→ E → F) will be described. In the second method, the trigger B is used to perform processing using the active CP 20B that has already been generated. The active CP 20B includes an existing CP 30B created in the C ++ language, an existing CP 30C and an existing CP 30D created in the VB language, and Java.
(R) Active components generated in advance, which are processed in the order of processes P60 → P61 → P62 by the component 30A created in the language.

Process P in Active CP 20B
60 is a process for calling the existing CP 30C (database) created in the VB language, a process P61 is a process for calling the existing CP 30D created in the VB language,
Process P62 performs processing in the active CP 20B,
This is a process of notifying the result to the component 30A.

When the component 30A created in the Java (R) language is activated by the trigger B, an activation instruction is issued to the active CP 20B. Active CP20B
First, the existing C created in VB language in process P60
Call P30C (database). Next, in the process P61, the existing CP 30D created in the VB language is called. Then, the process P62 is executed, and the processing result is stored in the component 30A created in the Java (R) language.
Notify. The component 30A receives the notification of the processing result, and performs a predetermined process according to a process in the component based on the notification.

When the existing software components created in different programming languages are used in combination as described above, description data describing an execution process for calling an existing component and performing a predetermined process is created, and the description data is created. Using an active component generated based on the above, or calling and using an existing active component (in this case, the component 30 created in the Java (R) language)
A uses the existing active component 20B) to perform processing between the existing software components via the active component, so that the existing software component created in a different programming language can be used. It can be used without any change to develop the desired software.

Next, a case in which different devices / systems are used in seamless cooperation / integration will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a server 500 and a server 510.
And a PC (personal computer) 610, a mobile phone 620, and a PDA (Personal Digital).
Assistants) 630 and the like, and a desired process is executed via the network 300.

[0064] Between corporate systems (B2B; Businesses)
In the case where the desired processing is performed in (s to Business), the description data / active component is exchanged between the server 500 and the server 510 in FIG. 8, for example, the execution process of the desired processing from the server 500. Is transmitted to the server 510 according to a predetermined protocol. An active CP suitable for the own system is generated from the description data received by the server 510. Then, the generated active CP performs a desired process in the server 510 in accordance with a predetermined process in cooperation with the existing CP of the server 510 itself and the existing CP / active CP of the server 500, so that the server 50
The system operating at 0 and the system operating at the server 510 can be used without change.

As a specific example, a case where processing is performed by seamlessly linking / integrating a system A 700 and a system B 710, which are systems having different operating environments (operating systems, data formats, etc.). This will be described with reference to FIG.

The system A 700 has a communication function with the system B 710 according to a predetermined communication protocol, and an active CP generation unit 1 that generates / executes an active component.
00A, which is generated in accordance with description data describing an execution process for performing a predetermined process using an existing software component, and uses the existing software component in accordance with the process described in the description data. Active CPs 21A, 22A, 24A which are active components for executing the processing of
And the existing CPs 31A to 34A, which are native components that operate in the system A700, and operate by combining these.

The system B 710 has a communication function with the system A 700 using a predetermined communication protocol, and an active CP generation unit 1 that generates / executes an active component.
00B, which is generated in accordance with description data describing an execution process for performing a predetermined process using an existing software component, and uses the existing software component in accordance with the process described in the description data. This is a system that has active CPs 21B and 23B that are active components that execute the above processing, and existing CPs 31B to 33B that are native components that operate in the system B 710, and operates by combining these.

The above system A 700 and system B
For example, a trigger is given to the active CP 21A of the system A 700 between the existing CPs 710 and 710 to cause the existing CPs 32A and 33A to perform processing in a predetermined process using the existing CP 31A and the active CP 24. On the other hand, the active CP 21A sends the description data 11A to the system B 710 via the active CP generating means 100A.

When the system B 710 receives the description data 11A from the system A 700, the active CP generation means 100B generates and executes an active CP 21B from the description data 11A. Active CP21
B follows the process described in the description data 11A,
In addition to calling the native existing CP 31B of the system B 710, the transfer request of the active CP 22A of the system A 700 is made via the active CP generation means 100B.

System A 700 transfers active CP 22 A to system B 710 in accordance with the transfer request from system B 710. System B 710 is the system A
When the active CP 22A is received from the active CP 22, the active CP
B, and the generated active CP 22B calls the native existing CP 32B of the system B 710.

The system B 710 uses the existing CP 33 B of its own system and uses the existing CP 33 B of the system A 700.
When it is desired to execute the process at 34A, a process request is sent to the active CP 23B of the own system. Active C
P23B is an active component that issues a processing request to the system A 700 in a predetermined process.
It is activated by a processing request from P33B as a trigger, and is converted into description data 11B describing desired processing via the active CP generation means 100B, and the system A 700
Sent to

Upon receiving the description data 11B from the system B 710, the system A 700 generates and executes the active CP 23A from the description data 11B by the active CP generation means 100A, and executes the active CP 23A.
Calls the native existing CP 34A of the system A700 according to the process described in the description data 11B. Thus, the system A700 and the system B7
The active CP generation means 10
0A and 100B, and by transmitting and executing the description data / active CP via the active CP generation means, the existing CPs and active CPs of the mutual systems can be provided without changing the existing system environment. Active CP generated based on description data
The target process can be executed by a predetermined process in cooperation with the above.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A case will be described in which content distribution is performed to devices having different operating environments, such as a mobile phone 620 and a PDA 630.

The server 500 includes a communication function for communicating with the mobile phone 620 / PDA 630 according to a predetermined communication protocol, and an active CP generation unit for generating / executing an active component, and utilizes an existing software component. Generated according to description data 10 describing an execution process for performing a predetermined process,
The existing CP according to the process described in the description data 10
An active CP 20 which is an active component for executing a predetermined process using the server 30 and a server 500
Existing C that is a native component that runs within
P30, and operate in combination.

The mobile phone 620 / PDA 630 has a function of communicating with the server 500 using a predetermined communication protocol and a function of reproducing contents. Note that a function of generating / executing the active component from the description data may be provided.

Content distribution is one-way communication from the system to the terminal device, such as from the server 500 to the mobile phone 620 / PDA 630. Components (including contents) that can be executed by the mobile phone 620 / PDA 630 in advance on the server 500 side ) And send it. Mobile phone 62
When the active CP can be generated by the 0 / PDA 630, description data (including contents) describing a predetermined execution process is transmitted by a predetermined protocol.

The mobile phone 620 and the PDA 630 reproduce contents using the received components.
If the active CP can be generated, the active CP is generated / executed from the received description data, and the content is reproduced according to a predetermined process in cooperation with the existing CP / active CP / content of the own device.

Next, between a system such as a company and a device used by a user (B2C: Business to C)
The server 500 and the PC (personal computer) 6 shown in FIG.
An example in which description data / active components are exchanged between 10 will be described.

The server 500 includes a communication function for communicating with the PC 610 using a predetermined communication protocol and an active CP generation unit for generating / executing an active component, and performs a predetermined process using an existing software component. An active CP that is generated according to description data describing an execution process to be performed, uses an existing CP according to the process described in the description data, and executes a predetermined process, and a native that operates in the server 500 It has an existing CP which is a simple component, and operates by combining these.

The PC 610 has a function of communicating with the server 500 using a predetermined communication protocol and a function of executing an active component. According to the description data, a function of generating an active CP or performing a predetermined process in cooperation with an existing component of the own device may be added.

First, description data describing an execution process for performing a desired process is sent from the server 500 to the PC 610 according to a predetermined communication protocol. From the description data received by the PC 610, the active CP of the own device is activated, and, for example, the current operating environment of the own device is checked.
It is returned to the server 500 as description data. Server 5
00 is the server 5 according to the description data from the PC 610.
The description data including the new active CP is sent to the PC 610 using the existing CP / active CP in
When the C610 executes the new active CP, a process that adds a new function can be performed.

[0082] Such a BtoC (Business)
A specific example of “to Consumer” will be described with reference to FIG. 10 as an example in which an electronic device of each manufacturer owned by a user is linked to a system of a manufacturer that manufactures the electronic device.

FIG. 10 shows maker systems 900 and 9 which are manufacturers for manufacturing electronic devices used by users.
10 and a user system 800.

The user system 800 includes electronic devices 820 to 823 manufactured by the respective manufacturers and electronic devices 820 to 823.
23, a controller 810 capable of exchanging description data / components with the maker systems 900, 910, etc. of the respective manufacturers according to a predetermined communication protocol, and an electronic device 820 via the controller 810. To 823, which can perform operations / controls.

The maker systems 900 and 910 are owned by the manufacturers of the electronic devices 820 to 823 and can communicate with each other via the controller 810 of the user system 800 using a predetermined communication protocol.
3, description data describing an execution process for performing a predetermined process using the existing software components, and control / control of the electronic devices 820 to 823 in accordance with the process generated according to the description data and described in the description data. Active C which is an active component that performs a predetermined process such as adding a function / collecting an operation environment state
Electronic component 820 including active component generation units 100a and 100d including a unit for generating P.
Correction data of a defect such as 823, additional data of a function, reproduction of a defect, and the like are performed, and correction / addition of a function of each electronic device 820 to 823 or the like is performed using description data / component.

First, the case where the electronic devices 820 to 823 are controlled by the portable terminal 830 will be described.

When the user controls a desired electronic device with the portable terminal 830, the current state information of the desired electronic device, for example, the electronic device 822 is collected by the controller 810, converted into descriptive data 10x, and converted into the description data 10x. 830
Sent to The mobile terminal 830 allows the controller 8
When the user receives the description data 10 from the device 10 and confirms the current status information of the desired device, and performs a desired operation / control instruction by operating a predetermined device, the operation / control instruction is transmitted to the description data 10y.
Is returned to the controller 810. The controller 810 receives the description data 10y describing the operation / control instruction from the portable terminal 830,
22 or converted into an active component executable by the electronic device 822 and then transferred. The electronic device 822 executes the active component transferred from the controller 810, or generates / executes an active component that can be executed according to the description data 10y, and executes a predetermined operation / control instruction.

Next, a case where a failure occurs in the electronic devices 820 to 823 will be described.

For example, when a failure occurs in the electronic device 820, information on the failure that occurred (processing procedure up to the occurrence /
(Including the processing history) is sent to the controller 810 as the description data 10a or the component 30a. Upon receiving the description data 11a / component 31a of the defect information from the electronic device 820, the controller 810 transfers it to the maker system 900 of the manufacturer of the electronic device 820.

Upon receiving the defect information description data 10a / component 30a from the controller 810 of the user system 800, the maker system 900 executes the component 30a by the active component generation unit 100a, or executes the same type of electronic device according to the description data 10a. An active component that can be executed by the device 820 ′ is generated / executed, and a defect is reproduced.

In addition to reproducing the defect, for example,
As in the case of the maker system 910, the operation is confirmed by correcting a defect / adding a new function, and the active component generation unit 100d creates correction / additional data of the new function as description data 10d '/ component 30d'. Then, the electronic device 823 is returned to the user system 800 of the user having the electronic device 823. And the maker system 9
Descriptive data 1 describing additional data of correction / new functions from 10
0d '/ component 30d' is the controller 810
Generates / executes an active component that can be executed according to the description data 10d ′, or sends the component 30d ′ to the electronic device 823 to perform operation verification with the modified data or include additional data of a new function. For example, replacement with a component is performed.

[0092]

As described above, an execution process for generating an active component includes a description of a process for performing a target process using an existing software component and a description of data necessary for the process. Designing the target software = When creating an execution process in a predetermined language, it is possible to design without being aware of differences in hardware and differences between existing software components to be used .

On the other hand, since the active component is generated after being converted into a form executable by predetermined hardware by means for generating the active component based on the execution process, the active component is diverted to a desired device / system. It is possible to change the existing software component assets and hardware environment of devices and systems by creating active components suitable for the devices and systems in advance and introducing them to the devices and systems to be linked / integrated. Seamless cooperation / integration becomes possible Further, it is possible to perform cooperation / integration by introducing the means for generating the active component itself in conformity with existing equipment and systems.

The active component is a component of a predetermined process, which is a component of an existing software component, and which operates in cooperation with the ordering and regularity in order to process the predetermined process. Since only the mediation processing between existing software components such as managing the operation of each software component is performed, there is no need for programming or the like to bridge the differences between the existing components to be used. It can be used without changing components. Therefore, the existing software components to be used can be independently tested (already tested), so that there is no need to perform coding or unit testing in the software development process, and the development time can be reduced. Furthermore, UM
By coordinating with an L design tool or the like, it is possible to further simplify the description of a process flow such as component determination / class design, thereby further improving the work process of software and system development.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a component system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a process of generating intermediate data for generating an active component according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a generation process of a static active component according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a generation process of a dynamic active component according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the active component according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of an operation when an active component according to the present invention is exchanged between nodes (apparatus / equipment).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an example of a case where processing is performed using an existing software component created in a different programming language by the component system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of a case in which different devices / systems are used in a seamless cooperation / integration manner using a component system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of a component when different systems are used in a seamless cooperation / integration manner using the component system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 performs desired processing between a system such as a company and a device used by a user using a component system according to the present invention (B2C; Business to Business);
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an example of a (Consumer) case.

[Explanation of symbols]

10; descriptive data, 20; active component, 30; existing CP, 40; data, 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d, 10e; description data, 20a, 20
b, 20c, 20d, 20e; active components, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30
f; existing CP, 100; active component generation unit, 110; communication handler, 120; virtual machine, 1
30; Meta-language processor, 140; Component processor, 200; Meta-language schema, 210; Program processor, 300; Network, 400; Node A, 410; Node B, 11, 12, 13, 14; Active Components, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36; Existing CP, 500; Server, 510; Server, 10A; Descriptive Data, 20A, 20B; Active Components, 30A, 30B, 30C , 30D; Existing CP, 61
0; PC (personal computer), 620; mobile phone, 630; PDA (Personal Digit)
al Assistants), 700; System A,
710; System B, 100A; Active component generator, 100B; Active component generator, 11A, 11B; Description data, 21A, 22
A, 23A, 24A; active component, 3
1A, 32A, 33A, 34A; Existing CP, 21B, 2
3B; active component, 31B, 32B,
33B; Existing CP, 800; User System, 810;
Controller, 820-823; electronic device, 820 ';
Electronic device, 823 ′; electronic device, 830;
900; maker system, 910; maker system, 100a; active component generation unit, 1
00d; active component generation unit, description data, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d ', 10x, 10
y; descriptive data, 20a; active component, 30d '; component

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinichi Nakamura 2-31-3 Ichigayata-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Inside Vertex Software Inc. (72) Inventor Masaya Emura 2-31-3 Ichigayata-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. F-term in Vertex Software Inc. (reference) 5B076 AB15 DD06 DD10

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An existing software component that performs one or more functions and a predetermined software component of the existing software component as a component in order to perform a desired object. An execution process that manages the overall operation of the predetermined process and manages the operation of each of the software components as constituent elements so as to operate in conjunction with the ordering and regularity for processing in the process. Means for generating an execution process created in a predetermined language, and means for generating an active component that operates according to the environment of a predetermined system according to the execution process, wherein the active component executes the object. In order to execute Component system characterized in that to perform the desired software components to the components in accordance with the scan. 2. The component system according to claim 1, wherein said object is a distributed object. 3. The component system according to claim 1, wherein said execution process generating means has a function of searching for a location of said software component as a component. 4. The means for generating the active component converts the execution process into intermediate data in a format suitable for the environment of a predetermined system, and generates an active component based on the converted intermediate data. The component system according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the conversion to the intermediate data is Java.
The component system according to claim 4, wherein the component system is based on (R) language. 6. The active component has a function of automatically disappearing from a system in which the active component operates, and / or a function of automatically saving itself in a system in which the active component operates. The component system according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The pre-existing software component comprises a pre-generated active component,
The component system according to claim 1, further comprising data necessary for performing the object. 8. A language for creating the execution process generation means is XML (extensible Markup Lap.).
The component system according to claim 1, wherein 9. An existing software component that performs one or more functions is prepared in advance, and a desired software component among the existing software components is executed in order to perform a desired object. The components are arranged in order to be processed in a predetermined process and are operated in a linked manner with regularity, and the operation management of the entire predetermined process and the operation management of each of the software components as components are performed. The execution process is performed in a predetermined language, and the execution process created in the predetermined language is converted to operate in conformity with the environment of a predetermined system, and is converted into the component according to the execution process. Components that run any software component Component creation method and generates a. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the object is a distributed object. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the execution process has a function of searching for the location of the software component as a component. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the generation of the active component includes converting the execution process into intermediate data in a format suitable for a predetermined system environment, and generating an active component based on the converted intermediate data. The component creation method according to claim 9, wherein 13. The conversion into the intermediate data is performed by Java.
The method of claim 12, wherein the method is based on (R) language. 14. The active component has a function of automatically disappearing from a system on which the active component operates, and / or a function of automatically saving itself in a system on which the active component operates. 13. The component creation method according to claim 9, wherein: 15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the existing software component includes an active component generated in advance and data necessary for performing the object. 16. The language for creating the execution process is X
ML (extensible Markup Lang)
10. The method for creating a component according to claim 9, wherein