SPECIFICATION
INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, DATA MANAGEMENT METHOD,
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL METHOD AND
5 CONTROL PROGRAM THEREFOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a technique that
10 collects pieces of data from a plurality of devices and
provides the pieces of data in response to requests from a
plurality of applications.
BACKGROUND ART
15 [0002]
In the above-described technical field, as disclosed
in Patent Document 1, a technique is known which generates
a schema using a document constructed in an XML compatible
format.
20 RELATED DOCUMENT
PATENT DOCUMENT
[0003]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No.2006-092529
25
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004]
However, the above-mentioned related art is just for
verifying the correctness of an XML structure. In addition,
when the plurality of applications use data having the
structure, there is a need to prepare an interface for each
5 of the applications.
[0005]
An object of the invention is to provide a technique
for solving the above-described problems.
[0006]
10 In order to achieve the above-described object, an
apparatus according to the invention includes a file input
unit that inputs a data model file representing a data model
in a first language for data model description; a first
generation unit that generates a database configuration file
15 described in a second language for database description from
the data model file; and a second generation unit that
generates an application interface described in a third
language for application interface description from the data
model file.
20 [0007]
In order to achieve the above-described object, a method
according to the invention includes a file input step of
inputting a data model file representing a data model in a
first language for data model description; a first generation
25 step of generating a database configuration file described
in a second language for database description from the data
model file; and a second generation step of generating an
application interface described in a third language for
application interface description from the data model file.
[0008]
In order to achieve the above-described object, a
5 program according to the invention causes a computer to
execute a file input step of inputting a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
description; a first generation step of generating a database
configuration file described in a second language for
10 database description from the data model file; and a second
generation step of generating an application interface
described in a third language for application interface
description from the data model file.
[0009]
15 In order to achieve the above-described object, an
information processing system according to the invention
includes an information processing apparatus; a device that
is connected to the information processing apparatus through
a device interface; and an application that is connected to
20 the information processing apparatus through an application
interface. The information processing apparatus includes
a file input unit that inputs a data model file representing
a data model in a first language for data model description
in response to the application; a first generation unit that
25 generates a database configuration file described in a second
language for database description from the data model file;
a second generation unit that generates an application
4
interface described in a third language for application
interface description from the data model file; a data
collection unit that collects data to be accumulated in a
database from the device through the device interface; and
5 a data providing unit that searches for the data accumulated
in the database in response to a data request through a
predetermined protocol from the application, and provides
desired data to the application through the application
interface.
10 [0010]
In order to achieve the above-described object, a data
management method according to the invention collects data
from a device through a device interface, and provides data
through an application interface in response to a request
15 from an application. The method includes a file input step
of inputting a data model file representing a data model in
a first language for data model description, in response to
the application; a first generation step of generating a
database configuration file described in a second language
20 for database description from the data model file; a second
generation step of generating an application interface
described in a third language for application interface
description from the data model file; a data collection step
of collecting data to be accumulated in a database from the
25 device through the device interface; and a data providing
step of searching for the data accumulated in the database
in response to a data request through a predetermined
protocol from the application, and providing desired data
to the application through the application interface.
[0011]
According to the invention, it is possible to collect
5 pieces of data from devices and provide the pieces of data
in response to requests from a plurality of applications
without having to prepare an interface for each of the
applications.
10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
The above-described objects, other objects, features
and advantages will be further apparent from the preferred
embodiments described below, and the accompanying drawings
15 as follows.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of
an information processing apparatus according to a first
embodiment of the invention.
20 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of an information processing system according
to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation
procedure of the information processing system according to
25 the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a registration procedure
of a device data model according to the second embodiment
of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration procedure
of a processed data model according to the second embodiment
of the invention.
5 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure of collecting
data or generating processed data according to the second
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure of providing
data or processed data to an application according to the
10 second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware
configuration of an information processing system according
to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data
15 model according to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a configuration of a
language description conversion table according to the
second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a configuration of a device
20 data DB through the generation of a DB table according to
the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. IOC is a diagram showing device setting to the DB
table through a device connection and a setting input
according to the second embodiment of the invention.
25 FIG. 10D is a diagram showing the accumulation of device
data to the DB table through the reception of device data
according to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10E is a diagram showing configurations of a
processing rule (function group) and an application IF group
through the generation of a processing rule and the
generation of an application interface according to the
5 second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of generating
an application interface and a database in the information
processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of
the invention.
10 FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure
of the information processing apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of
generating an application interface and a database based on
15 a device data model according to the second embodiment of
the invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of
generating an application interface, a database, and a
processing rule based on a processed data model according
20 to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of
an information processing system according to a third
embodiment of the invention.
25 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014]
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention
8
will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
However, components described in the following embodiments
are just examples, and the technical scope of the invention
is not limited thereto.
5 [0015]
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus 100
as a first embodiment of the invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 1. The information processing apparatus
10 100 is an apparatus that collects data from a device and
provides the data in response to a request from an
application.
[0016]
The information processing apparatus 100 includes a
15 file input unit 101, a first generation unit 102, and a second
generation unit 103. The file input unit 101 inputs a data
model file 120 that represents a data model in a first
language for data model description. The first generation
unit 102 generates a database configuration file 130 that
20 is described in a second language for database description
from the data model file 120. The second generation unit
103 generates an application interface 140 that is described
in a third language for application interface description
from the data model file 120.
25 [0017]
According to the above configuration, it is possible
to collect pieces of data from devices and provide the data
in response to requests from a plurality of applications
without having to prepare an interface for each of the
applications.
[0018]
5 [Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an information processing system
according to a second embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 2 and the subsequent
figures.
10 [0019]
Functional Configuration of Information Processing
System
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional
configuration of an information processing system 200
15 according to the embodiment.
[0020]
The information processing system 200 includes an
information processing apparatus 210 which is a
machine-to-machine platform (M2M-PF) of the embodiment.
20 The information processing system includes a data model file
201 that is input to the information processing apparatus
210, an application 202 that receives information from the
information processing apparatus 210, and a device 203 that
collects information for the information processing
25 apparatus 210. Meanwhile, the application 202 and the
device 203 may be constituted by a personal computer or a
communication terminal. In addition, the device 203 may be
10
a simple sensor having no brain. Based on such a
configuration, the information processing system 200 of the
embodiment collects and holds device data and implements data
management to be provided to the application.
5 [0021]
The information processing apparatus 210 includes a
developer/manager IF 220. The developer/manager IF 220
generates an application interface (hereinafter, IF) and a
database configuration file from the data model file 201 that
10 is described in an extensible markup language (XML) input
by a developer or a manager (hereinafter, also referred to
as an operator) . In addition, when the data model file 201
input by an operator is a processed data model, a processing
rule is further generated.
15 [0022]
The developer/manager IF 220 includes a file input unit
221 that inputs the data model file 201 described in an XML.
In addition, the developer/manager IF 220 includes a WSDL
generation unit 222 that generates a web services description
20 language (WSDL) for application interface description from
the input data model file 201 described in an XML. In
addition, the developer/manager includes an SQL generation
unit 223 that generates a structured query language (SQL)
for database description from the input data model file 201
25 described in an XML, and a DB table generation unit 224 that
generates a table having a database configuration on the
basis of the SQL.
11
[0023]
In addition, the information processing apparatus 210
includes an application IF 230, a device IF 240, a device
data database (hereinafter, DB) 250, a process execution unit
5 260, and an authentication unit 270. The application IF 230
exchanges data with the application 202. The device IF 240
collects information from the device 203 (or provides a
service). The device data DB 250 accumulates device data
collected from the device 203. The process execution unit
10 260 executes processing such as
collection/accumulation/reading of the device data. In
addition, the process execution unit 260 stores the
processing rule that is generated on the basis of the
processed data model. The authentication unit 270 performs
15 authentication of an operator that inputs the data model file
201, the application 202, and the device 203. Meanwhile,
the authentication process performed by the authentication
unit 270 is not a main process of the embodiment, and thus
the description thereof will not be described in the
20 following operation description.
[0024]
Operation Procedure of Information Processing System
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation
procedure 300 of the information processing system of the
25 embodiment.
[0025]
First, in step S301, an operator inputs the data model
12
file 201 of the device data model to the information
processing apparatus 210 through the file input unit 221.
In step S303, in the information processing apparatus 210,
an application interface described in a WSDL is generated
5 by the WSDL generation unit 222 on the basis of the device
data model. In addition, in the information processing
apparatus 210, an SQL for creating a DB table for device data
is generated by the SQL generation unit 223 on the basis of
the device data model. In the information processing
10 apparatus 210, the DB table for device data is generated by
the DB table generation unit 224 by using the SQL, and thus
the device data model is registered (see FIG. 4). When the
device data model is registered, in step S305, the
information processing apparatus 210 notifies the
15 application 202 side of an ID for uniquely determining the
application interface and an ID for uniquely determining the
DB table which are generated in S303.
[0026]
mo
In addition
del file 201 of
, in
the
processing apparatus
In
an
by
step S309, in
application i
the
nter
step S307
processed
210
, an operator
data model to
through the file
information processing
face
input s the dat
the informatio
input unit
apparatus
described in a WSDL is
the WSDL generation unit 222 on the basis of the
221
210
generate
processe
25 data model. In addition, in the information processing
apparatus 210, an SQL for creating a DB table for processed
data is generated by the SQL generation unit 223 on the basis
13
of the processed data model. In the information processing
apparatus 210, the DB table for processed data is generated
by the DB table generation unit 224 by using the SQL. Further,
in the information processing apparatus 210, a processing
5 rule is generated by the processing rule generation unit 225
on the basis of the processed data model, and thus the
processed data model is registered (see FIG. 5). When the
processed data model is registered, in step S311, the
information processing apparatus 210 notifies the
10 application 202 side of an ID for uniquely determining the
application interface, an ID for uniquely determining the
DB table, and an ID for uniquely determining the processing
rule which are generated in S309.
Meanwhile, the device data model and the processed data
15 model are generally mixed in one data model file 201, and
steps S301, S303, S305 and S307 are repeated a plurality of
times. Therefore, the order thereof is not limited. In
addition, an operation of notifying the application 202 side
of the IDs may be collectively performed.
20 [0027]
Next, in step S313, device information from an
application user is set in the information processing
apparatus 210 in response to the connection of a device. In
step S315, the information processing apparatus 210
25 registers a device that sends data to the DB table in
accordance with the device information (see FIG. 10C).
[0028]
14
The information processing apparatus 210 collects
device data from the connected device through the device IF
240, and stores and accumulates the device data in the
generated DB table. That is, in step S317, the information
5 processing apparatus 210 receives the device data from the
device 203. In step S319, the information processing
apparatus 210 collects data within the DB table for device
data. Alternatively, in step S319, the information
processing apparatus 210 generates processed data by
10 processing the collected data on the basis of the processing
rule, and stores and accumulates the generated processing
data in the DB table for processed data (see FIG. 6).
[0029]
When the application 202 desires the data (or processed
15 data) collected from the device 203, the application requests
the information processing apparatus 210 for the data
(processed data) in step S321. The information processing
apparatus 210 provides the desired data or the desired
processed data of the application 202 which is collected
20 within the DB table. The application 202 performs
processing, using the data (processed data) provided from
the information processing apparatus 210 (see FIG. 7).
[0030]
Hereinafter, the operation procedure 300 of the
25 information processing system will be described in more
detail. Meanwhile, in FIG. 4 through FIG. 7, functional
configuration units that are not used in each operation
15
procedure are deleted or shown by only a simple box.
[0031]
Registration of Device Data Model
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the registration procedures
5 S301 and S303 of the device data model according to the
embodiment.
[0032]
In step S401, a device data model 401 described in an
XML is input to the file input unit 221. In step S403, the
10 device data model 401 is input to the WSDL generation unit
222 and the SQL generation unit 223. In step S405, a WSDL
generated by the WSDL generation unit 222 on the basis of
the device data model 401 described in an XML is transmitted
to the application IF 230, and is stored. For example, the
15 WSDL generation unit 222 determines what type of information
the application 202 transmits in order to specify data to
be obtained from a DB table for device data which is generated
on the basis of the device data model 401, with reference
to a tag within the device data model 401. The WDSL
20 generation unit 222 generates a WSDL based on the
determination results.
[0033]
On the other hand, in step S407, the SQL generation unit
223 generates an SQL on the basis of the device data model
25 401 described in an XML. The DB table generation unit 224
generates a DB table for device data based on the generated
SQL, and secures the generated DB table within the device
16
data DB 250. For example, the SQL generation unit 223
determines what type of element the DB table for device data
has, with reference to the tag within the device data model
401. The SQL generation unit 223 creates an SQL for
5 generating a table having the element on the basis of the
determination results. The DB generation unit 224 generates
the DB table for device data by using the SQL.
[0034]
Registration of Processed Data Model
10 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the registration procedures
S307 and S309 of the processed data model according to the
embodiment.
[0035]
In step S501, a processed data model 501 described in
15 an XML is input to the file input unit 221. In step S503,
the processed data model 501 is input to the WSDL generation
unit 222, the SQL generation unit 223, and the processing
rule generation unit 225. In step S505, a WSDL generated
by the WSDL generation unit 222 on the basis of the processed
20 data model 501 described in an XML is transmitted to the
application IF 230, and is stored. A flow in which the WSDL
generation unit 222 generates the WSDL on the basis of the
processed data is the same as the flow of the device data
model described above.
25 [0036]
In addition, in step S507, a processing rule generated
by the processing rule generation unit 225 on the basis of
17
the processed data model 501 described in an XML is prepared
within the process execution unit 260. The processing rule
generation unit 225, based on the information set in the
processed data model 501, generates a processing rule for
5 determining how to apply a function (for example, a function
for calculating a maximum value, a minimum value, or an
average value of data) which is prepared in advance in the
process execution unit 260 to a device data, how to process
the device data, and the like. Here, in the processed data
10 model 501, information is defined such as a range of device
data to which a certain function is to be applied or a time
interval to which the processing rule is to be applied. In
addition, a new function is defined in the processed data
model 501 in addition to the function that is prepared in
15 the process execution unit 260 in advance so that the
processing rule generation unit 225 can generate a processing
rule, using the function that is defined in the processed
data model 501.
[0037]
20 In addition, in step S509, the SQL generation unit 223
generates an SQL on the basis of the processed data model
501 described in an XML. The DB table generation unit 224
generates a DB table for processed data by using the generated
SQL, and secures the generated DB table within the device
25 data DB 250. A flow in which the DB table generation unit
224 creates the DB table for processed data is the same as
the flow of the device data model described above.
18
[0038]
Collection of Data or Generation of Processed Data
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the procedures S317 and S319
of collecting data or generating processed data according
5 to the embodiment.
[0039]
In step S601, the device data from the device 203 is
accumulated in the DB table for device data within the device
data DB 250. On the other hand, in step S603, the data from
10 the DB table for device data is read out and is processed
in accordance with the processing rule within the process
execution unit 260, and processed data is accumulated in the
DB table for processed data within the device data DB 250.
For example, it is assumed that temperature and humidity are
15 collected as device data every minute by a certain sensor
A, and are stored in a DB table for device data (for sensor
A) . In addition, it is assumed that a processing rule that
"average temperature and average humidity every hour are
calculated and recorded" is set within the process execution
20 unit 260. In this case, the process execution unit 260 reads
out the device data for 1 hour from the DB table for sensor
A at 1 hour intervals in accordance with the processing rule,
and calculates average temperature and average humidity.
The process execution unit 260 accumulates the calculated
25 average temperature and average humidity in the DB table for
processed data. Meanwhile, a function that "average is
calculated" may be prepared in advance in the process
19
execution unit 260, or may be defined within the processed
data model 501.
[0040]
Provision of Data or Processed Data to Application
5 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the procedures S321 and S323
of providing data or processed data to the application
according to the embodiment.
[0041]
In step S701, a request from the application 202 is
10 transmitted to the information processing apparatus 210 . In
step S703, the process execution unit 260 reads out device
data that is consistent with the request frompieces of device
data that have been accumulated thus far, from the DB table
for device data and the DB table for processed data of the
15 device data DB 250, on the basis of the request of the
application 202 through the application IF 230. For example,
the application 202 includes in the request a key for uniquely
determining a record of a DB table that stores data to be
obtained, and information for uniquely determining a column
20 of the DB table. Meanwhile, the application 202 can
determine the correspondence between the application IF 230
and a DB table storing desired data on the basis of the IDs
received in step S305 and step S311. In step S705, the
information processing apparatus 210 transmits data
25 corresponding to the request from the application 202. That
is, the provision of the data requested by the application
202 is achieved.
20
[0042]
Hardware Configuration of Information Processing
Apparatus
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware
5 configuration of the information processing apparatus 210
according to the embodiment. In FIG. 8, the information
processing apparatus 210 includes a CPU 810, a ROM 820, a
communication control unit 830, a RAM 840, and a storage 850.
[0043]
10 The CPU 810 is a central processing unit, and controls
the whole information processing apparatus 210 by executing
various programs. The ROM 820 is a read only memory, and
stores various parameters and the like in addition to a boot
program to be initially executed by the CPU 810. The
15 communication control unit 830 controls communication with
an application or a terminal of a device through a network.
In addition, the RAM 840 is a random access memory, and has
various storage areas. The storage 850 stores a program in
addition to a data group and a database. The information
20 processing apparatus 210 further includes an input and output
interface 860, and is connected to an operator operation unit
861 and a display unit 862 through the input and output
interface 8 60.
[0044]
25 The RAM 840 has an area for storing the data model file
201 that is input according to the operator's operation with
respect to the operator operation unit 861. In addition,
21
the RAM has an area for storing an application IF 841
described in a WSDL which is generated from the data model
file 201 by the information processing apparatus 210, and
a format 842 of the device data DB 250 which is described
5 in an SQL. The format 842 of the device data DB 250 includes
a DB table for device data and a DB table for processed data.
The application IF 841 is set up, and is stored as an
application IF group 851 in the storage 850. The DB table
for device data and the DB table for processed data are
10 prepared within the device data DB 250 in the storage 850.
The RAM 840 also has an area for storing a processing rule
843 that is generated from the processed data model. Such
a processing rule 843 is stored in a processing rule (function
group) 852 including a function group of the storage 850 which
15 is prepared in advance.
[0045]
In addition, the RAM 840 has an area for temporarily
storing device data 844 that is collected from a device, and
the device data 844 is accumulated in the DB table for device
20 data and the DB table for processed data of the device data
DB 250 of the storage 850. In addition, the RAM 840 has a
storage area for storing device control information 445 for
controlling a device. Further, the RAM 840 includes a
storage area for storing application reception information
25 846 received from an application and application
transmission information 847 to be transmitted to the
application.
22
[0046]
On the other hand, the storage 850 stores a language
description conversion table 853 for converting a data model
described in an XML to an application interface descried in
5 a WSDL and a database configuration described in an SQL, in
addition to the application IF group 851, the device data
DB 250, and the processing rule (function group) 852. In
addition, the storage 850 stores an information processing
program 854. The CPU 810 reads out and executes the
10 information processing program 854, the application IF group
851, the processing rule (function group) 852, the language
description conversion table 853, or the like so as to
implement the functional configurations of FIG. 2 and the
processing thereof (see FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 ).
15 [0047]
Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows only data and programs that are
essential for the embodiment, and does not show
general-purpose data or program such as an OS.
[0048]
20 Data Model
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration 900 of a
data model according to the embodiment. The data model may
be prepared in advance as a support when a developer
(operator) describes the data model in an XML. In this case,
25 a template of the data model is stored in the storage of FIG.
8 and is interactively provided to the developer (operator) .
[0049]
23
The data model of the embodiment can be created by
inheriting an abstract model. In the example, the template
is divided into a total of four layers of a general-purpose
object template 911, a device type layer 912, an
5 industry-classified type layer 913, and a real model layer
914, using the general-purpose object template as a parent
class (abstract class). In the example on the upper stage
of FIG. 9, the template is inherited as follows:
"general-purpose object " V sensor "-/'agricultural
10 sensor "->" agricultural sensor manufactured by ABC Co . , Ltd . " ,
and thus a data model is created. That is, an attribute of
a parent data model is inherited to a child data model. An
instance (substance) 920 is generated by inputting a value
to the data model.
15 [0050]
Language Description Conversion Table
FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a configuration of the
language description conversion table 853 according to the
embodiment. Meanwhile, the invention is not limited to the
20 configuration.
[0051]
In the language description conversion table 853, a
collection object, collection conditions, or the like is
stored as SQL description data 1012 for describing an SQL
25 which generates a database, in association with the
description of an XML data model 1011. In addition, a
processing rule data 1013 corresponding to processing in case
24
of a processed data model is stored. In addition, a message
format to be used or other conditions is stored as WSDL
description data 1041 for describing an application
interface in a WSDL. Meanwhile, for example, accuracy or
5 a collection time unit of data can be set as the collection
conditions of the SQL description data 1012.
[0052]
For example, in response to the device data model 1021,
"temperature" and "humidity" are stored as the collection
10 object in the SQL description data 1012, and Ml is stored
as the message format in the WSDL description without
processing. In addition, in response to the processed data
model 1022, "maximum temperature" and "minimum temperature"
are stored as the collection object in the SQL description
15 data 1012, the selection (arithmetic operation) of
maximum/minimum is stored in the processing, and M2 is stored
as the message format in the WSDL description.
[0053]
Generation of DB Table
20 FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a configuration of the
device data DB 250 through the generation of a DB table
according to the embodiment.
[0054]
In the device data DB 250, the generated DB table for
25 device data or DB table for processed data is accumulated
in a searchable manner. For this reason, a unique DB table
ID is attached when creating the DB table, and the DB table
25
ID is registered in a DB table ID list 1031. Empty DB tables
1032, 1033, and 1034 are secured in association with the DB
table IDs. In FIG. 10B, the DB table 1032 having a DB table
ID of "DB0001" collects temperature and humidity, and the
5 DB table 1033 having a DB table ID of "DB0002" collects
temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure , and wind power .
In addition, the DB table 1034 having a DB table ID of "DB
1001" is a DB table for processed data, and collects the
maximum temperature and the minimum temperature. In the
10 embodiment, for example, a DB table in which the highest level
of numeric portions in a DB table ID is "1" indicates a DB
table for processed data.
[0055]
Device Setting
15 FIG. 10C is a diagram showing device setting procedures
S313 and S315 to a DB table through a device connection and
a setting input according to the embodiment. In the example,
the empty DB table 1032 of FIG. 10B will be described, but
the same is true of device setting to other DB tables.
20 [0056]
With respect to the empty DB table 1032, device
information 1041 is set in which a device ID is "1" and a
serial No is "1234" from the application 202. When the
device is connected to the information processing apparatus
25 210, a DB table 1042 in which the device is set is created,
and thus the preparation for information collection is made.
[0057]
26
Device Data Accumulation
FIG. 10D is a diagram showing device data accumulation
procedures S317 and S319 to a DB table through the reception
of device data according to the embodiment. Meanwhile, this
5 example will be described on the basis of the DB table 1032,
but the same is true of other DB tables. In addition, in
FIG. 10D, description will be given assuming that a device
is further connected in which a device ID is "2" and a serial
No is "5678" to the configuration of FIG. IOC.
10 [0058]
With respect to a DB table 1043 in which two devices
are set, it is assumed that temperature of 23 (°C) and humidity
of 50(%) are received from a device having a device ID of
"1" and temperature of 25 (°C) and humidity of 60(%) are
15 received from a device having a device ID of "2" (1051 of
FIG. 10D) . The information processing apparatus 210 stores
these pieces of received data, and thereby creating a DB table
1052.
[0059]
20 Generation of Processing Rule and Generation of
Application Interface
FIG. 10E is a diagram showing configurations of a
processing rule (function group) 852 and an application IF
group 851 through the generation of a processing rule and
25 the generation of an application interface according to the
embodiment.
[0060]
27
A processing rule is accumulated in the processing rule
(function group) 852 in a searchable manner. For this reason,
a unique processing rule ID is attached when creating the
processing rule, and the processing rule ID is registered
5 in a processing rule ID list 1061. Processing rules 1062
and 1063 are secured in association with each processing rule
ID. The processing rules 1062 and 1063 are defined by, for
example, a function, input data, and output data, but the
invention is not limited thereto.
10 [0061]
In addition, an application IF is accumulated in the
application IF group 851 in a searchable manner. For this
reason, a unique application IF-ID is attached when creating
the application IF, and the application IF-ID is registered
15 in an application IF-ID list 1071. Application IFs 1072 and
1073 are then secured in association with each application
IF-ID. The application IFs 1072 and 1073 are defined by, for
example, a protocol, an input message, and an output message,
but the invention is not limited thereto.
20 [0062]
Generation of Application Interface and Database
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example 1100 of
generating an application interface and a database in the
information processing apparatus according to the
25 embodiment.
[0063]
An upper stage of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a DB table
28
1110 for device data which is generated in case of the device
data model 401, and a simple object access protocol (SOAP)
interface 1120. In the DB table 1110 for device data, a
location, temperature, humidity, and the like are stored in
5 association with a device ID and a serial No. In addition,
according to the SOAP interface 1120, the temperature of an
ID 001 is searched.
[0064]
On the other hand, a lower stage of FIG. 11 is a diagram
10 showing a DB table 1130 for processed data which is generated
in case of the processed data model 501, and a SOAP interface
1140. In the DB table 1130 for processed data, maximum
temperature (Max Temperature), minimum temperature (Min
Temperature), and the like are stored in association with
15 a device ID and a serial No. Processing for finding the
maximum temperature (Max Temperature) or the minimum
temperature (Min Temperature) serves as a processing rule,
and thus, for example, when a function for finding the maximum
temperature from data in a range designated by arguments is
20 prepared, a processing rule that "the maximum temperature
is found from data in a given range" can be generated by
determining an argument of the function. Each piece of
information is stored in a DB table for processed data in
accordance with the processing rule . In addition, according
25 to the SOAP interface 1140, the maximum temperature of the
ID 001 is searched.
Meanwhile, FIG. 11 shows an SOAP interface, but an
29
interface of a predetermined protocol useful in the
embodiment can be used.
[0065]
Operation Procedure of Information Processing
5 Apparatus
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure
of the information processing apparatus 210 according to the
embodiment. The flow chart is executed while using the RAM
840 by the CPU 810 of FIG. 8, and thus the functional
10 configuration units of FIG. 2 are embodied.
[0066]
First, in step S1211, the information processing
apparatus 200 determines whether a data model is input. In
addition, in step S1221, the information processing
15 apparatus determines whether access from the application 202
is present. In addition, in step S1231, the information
processing apparatus determines whether access from the
device 203 is present. Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the
determination is performed in the order of S1211, S1221, and
20 S1231, but the order of performing these determinations can
be arbitrarily set.
[0067]
When a data model is input, the process proceeds to step
S1213, and thus the information processing apparatus 210
25 generates a DB table described in an SQL and the application
interface 230 described in a WSDL from a data model described
in an XML. Next, in step S1215, the information processing
30
apparatus 210 sets up the generated application interface
230. In step S1217, the information processing apparatus
210 sets up the generated DB table in the device data DB 250.
In step S1219, the information processing apparatus 210 sets
5 up the generated processing rule.
[0068]
When access from the application 202 is present, the
process proceeds to step S1223, and thus the information
processing apparatus 210 receives an instruction message
10 from the application 202 through the application interface
230. Next, in step S1225, the information processing
apparatus 210 reads out collected device data from the device
data DB 250 in response to a request of the application 202.
In step S1227, the information processing apparatus 210
15 performs processing of device data corresponding to the
request of the application. In step S1229, the information
processing apparatus 210 transmits the processing results
of the device data in response to the request of the
application.
20 [0069]
When access from the device 203 is present, the process
proceeds to step S1233, and thus the information processing
apparatus 210 collects device data through the device
interface 240 and accumulates the device data in the device
25 data DB 250.
[0070]
Meanwhile, in the embodiment, in case of processed data
31
model, processed data may be accumulated in advance in the
DB table of the device data DB 250, or may be transmitted
to the application by performing processing on the device
data from the device data DB 250 at the time of access from
5 the application 202. Alternatively, a case of processing
at the time of accumulation to the device data DB 250 and
a case of processing at the time of access from the
application 202 may be separated from each other according
to the complexity of processed contents.
10 [0071]
Specific Generation Example
A specific example of generating an application
interface and a DB table from a device data model and a
specific example of generating an application interface, a
15 DB table, and a processing rule from a processed data model
according to the embodiment are shown below.
[0072]
Device Data Model
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example 1300
20 of generating an application interface and a DB table based
on a device data model according to the embodiment.
[0073]
An example of an input XML shows a device data model
1301. The device data model 1301 has a model name of "ABC
25 weather sensor", and includes "temperature" of an integer,
"humidity" of an integer, and the like in association with
"ID" of an integer and "serial No" of a character string.
32
[0074]
An SQL description 1310 is generated by the SQL
generation unit 223 from the device data model 1301 described
in an XML. In this example, the SQL generation unit 223
5 determines what type of element the DB table has with
reference to a row in which a tag within the device data model
1301 is "param", and thus generates the SQL description 1310.
An empty DB table 251 for device data is generated in the
device data DB 250 by the SQL description 1310, and the DB
10 table becomes a DB table 252 in which temperature and humidity
are accumulated by collecting device data from a device.
[0075]
On the other hand, a WSDL description 1320 is generated
by the WSDL generation unit 222 from the device data model
15 1301 described in an XML. In this example, the WSDL
generation unit 222 determine a structure or a format of data
obtained by the device 203 with reference to a row in which
a tag within the device data model 1301 is "param", and thus
generates the WSDL description 1320. In such a WSDL
20 description 1320, an input message from the application 202
and an output message to the application 202 are defined as
application interfaces.
[0076]
In this manner, the application IF 230 and the DB table
25 251 for device data of the information processing apparatus
210 are generated and set up.
[0077]
33
With respect to such an information processing
apparatus 210, a data request 1340 through an SOAP for
searching for the temperature of ID=1 from the DB table 252
is transmitted to the application interface from the
5 application 202. That is, the application 202 can search
for necessary data without having to consider processing
after the application interface of the information
processing apparatus 210.
[0078]
10 Processed Data Model
FIG. 14 is a specific example 1400 of generating an
application interface, a database, and a processing rule
based on the processed data model according to the
embodiment.
15 [0079]
An example of an input XML shows a processed data model
1401. The processed data model 1401 has a model name of "XYZ
weather sensor", and includes "maximum temperature" of an
integer, "minimum temperature" of an integer, and the like
20 in association with "ID" of an integer and "serial No" of
a character string.
[0080]
Similarly to a case of the device data model, an SQL
description 1410 and a WSDL description 1420 are generated
25 from the processed data model 1401 described in an XML. An
empty DB table 1432 for processed data which has an area for
storing maximum temperature and minimum temperature is
34
generated by such an SQL description 1410. In addition, a
processing rule 1431 for finding maximum temperature/minimum
temperature by reading out temperature from the DB table 252
of the device data DB 250 is generated by the processing rule
5 generation unit 225, on the basis of information for defining
"how to process device data which is an object" of a function
to be used, an application range of a function, or the like
which is set in the processed data model 1401. Then, the
maximum temperature and the minimum temperature are searched
10 from the device data accumulated in the DB table 252 in
accordance with the processing rule 1431, and are accumulated
in the DB table 1432.
[0081]
In this manner, at the same time when the application
15 interface 230 and the DB table 1432 for processed data of
the information processing apparatus 210 are generated and
set up, the processing rule 1431 is set up.
[0082]
With respect to such an information processing
20 apparatus 210, a processed data request 1440 through an SOAP
for searching for the maximum temperature of ID=2 from the
DB table 1432 is transmitted to the application interface
from the application 202. That is, the application 202 can
search for and process necessary data without having to
25 consider processing after the application interface of the
information processing apparatus 210.
[0083]
35
As described above, according to the embodiment, when
a data model described in an XML is input, an application
interface and a table of a database are independently
generated, and thus data can be obtained by a simple operation
5 from any application. In addition, data processing can also
be performed by a simple operation.
[0084]
[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an information processing system 1500
10 according to a third embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 15.
[0085]
Configuration of Information Processing System
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of
15 the information processing system 1500 according to the
embodiment. The information processing system 1500
according to the embodiment is different from information
processing system of the second embodiment in that the
information processing system according to the embodiment
20 is a cloud system in which all operations including
collecting of device data, an inquiry from an application,
and an input of a data model are performed through a network.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those
of the second embodiment, and thus the detailed description
25 thereof will not be repeated.
[0086]
In the information processing system 1500, application
36
groups 1531 to 153i to 153n, a device group (1541 to 154n,
1551 to 155n), and an operator terminal 1520 to which an
operator 1521 inputs a data model are connected to each other
through a network 1560. The device group includes portable
5 terminals 1541 to 154n, sensors 1551 to 155n, or the like.
The device group is not particularly limited, as long as it
is a device capable of collecting data.
[0087]
An information processing apparatus 1510 of the
10 embodiment is connected to the network 1560. The
information processing apparatus 1510 includes a
communication control unit 1511, and communicates with the
above-mentioned application groups, device group, and
operator terminal through the network 1560. The information
15 processing apparatus 1510 includes a data model processing
unit 1512, a device data processing unit 1513, and an
application correspondence unit 1514 which are connected to
the communication control unit 1511. The information
processing apparatus further includes a device data DB 1515
20 connected to the processing units and the correspondence unit.
Here, the configuration of the second embodiment is divided
into three parts, that is, the data model processing unit
1512, the device data processing unit 1513, and the
application correspondence unit 1514, from the processing
25 object thereof. Therefore, there is only difference in that
the data model processing unit 1512 is connected to the
communication control unit 1511, that is, the file input unit
37
221 of FIG. 2 performs transmission and reception through
a network similar to an application or a device.
[0088]
[Other Embodiment]
5 So far, the embodiments of the invention have been
described, but a system or an apparatus in which various
characteristics included in each of the embodiments are
combined in various ways is also included in the scope of
the invention.
10 [0089]
In addition, the invention may be applied to a system
constituted by a plurality of devices, or may be applied to
a single apparatus. Further, the invention can also be
applied in a case where a control program for implementing
15 functions of an embodiment is directly or remotely provided
to a system or an apparatus. Therefore, in order to
implement the functions of the invention using a computer,
a control program installed in the computer, a medium storing
the control program, and a world wide web (WWW) server causing
20 the control program to be downloaded are included in the scope
of the invention.
[0090]
The application is based on Japanese Patent Application
No. 2011-116367 filed on May 24, 2011, the content of which
25 is incorporated herein by reference.

CLAIMS ] 9 5 70^13'!'06N0Vaw5
1. An information processing apparatus comprising:
a file input unit that inputs a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
description;
5 a first generation unit that generates a database
configuration file described in a second language for
database description from the data model file; and
a second generation unit that generates an application
interface described in a third language for application
10 interface description from the data model file.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the first language is an extensible markup
language (XML).
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim
1 or 2, wherein the second language is a structured query
language (SQL) .
4. The information processing apparatus according to any
one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third language is a web
services description language (WSDL).
5. The information processing apparatus according to any
one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
10
u
t 7 ODBHP 1 3 J'. JJ6N07 2IB
a creation unit that creates a database from the
database configuration file of the second language which is
generated by the first generation unit; and
a device interface that collects data to be accumulated
in the generated database from a device connected to the
information processing apparatus,
wherein the application interface searches for the data
accumulated in the database and sends desired data to an
application, in response to a data request through a
predetermined protocol from the application to the
information processing apparatus.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim
5, wherein the predetermined protocol is a simple object
access protocol (SOAP).
7. The information processing apparatus according to any
one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a third generation
unit that generates a processing rule from a processed data
model of the first language, when the data model is the
5 processed data model that processes data collected by a
device to thereby generate processed data.
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim
7, wherein the third generation unit includes a storage unit
that stores a function used in the processing rule, and reads
out the function corresponding to the processed data model
70-H»1 3:
of the first language from the storage unit and uses the
function to generate the processing rule. ft . ..... r%M*
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim
7 or 8, wherein the application interface processes the data
of the database in accordance with a requested processing
rule in response to a request of processed data through a
predetermined protocol from an application to the
information processing apparatus, and sends the processed
data to the application.
10
10. A method of controlling an information processing
apparatus, the method comprising:
a file input step of inputting a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
description;
a first generation step of generating a database
configuration file described in a second language for
database description from the data model file; and
a second generation step of generating an application
interface described in a third language for application
interface description from the data model file.
11. A control program causing a computer to execute:
a file input step of inputting a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
description;
OWGWAW 70^13'
10
a first generation step of generating a database
configuration file described in a second language for
database description from the data model file; and
a second generation step of generating an application
interface described in a third language for application
interface description from the data model file.
12. An information processing system comprisiWcp ™U" ZUIO
an information processing apparatus;
a device that is connected to the information processing
apparatus through a device interface; and
5 an application that is connected to the information
processing apparatus through an application interface,
wherein the information processing apparatus includes:
a file input unit that inputs a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
10 description in response to the application;
a first generation unit that generates a database
configuration file described in a second language for
database description from the data model file;
a second generation unit that generates an application
15 interface described in a third language for application
interface description from the data model file;
a data collection unit that collects data to be
accumulated in a database from the device through the device
interface; and
20 a data providing unit that searches for the data
OftlGWM- $ 5 7 0-DELNP1 3 1
accumulated in the database in response to a data request
through a predetermined protocol from the applic^tu/0y, 2$t9
provides desired data to the application through the
application interface.
0 6 NOV 2013
13. A data management method of collecting data from a '
device through a device interface, and providing data through
an application interface in response to a request from an
application, the method comprising:
5 a file input step of inputting a data model file
representing a data model in a first language for data model
description, in response to the application;
a first generation step of generating a database
configuration file described in a second language for
10 database description from the data model file;
a second generation step of generating an application
interface described in a third language for application
interface description from the data model file;
a data collection step of collecting data to be
15 accumulated in a database from the device through the device
interface; and
a data providing step of searching for the data
accumulated in the database in response to a data request
through a predetermined protocol from the application, and
20 providing desired data to the application through the
application interface.