Technical Field
[0001]
10 The present disclosure relates to information processmg systems,
information processing methods, management devices, management methods,
communication devices, communication methods, and programs.
Background Art
15 [0002]
In recent years, there are technologies for causing an information processing
device and another device to communicate with each other (see Patent Literature 1).
In such a technology, the information processing device includes a communication
unit and a plurality of processing units, and the another information processing
20 device specifies a processing unit of a communication partner from among the
plurality of processing units. In this case, when the communication unit receives an
identification information requesting command from the another information
processing device, the communication unit returns respective identification
information pieces acquired from the plurality of processing units to the another
25 information processing device.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
30 Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-294821A
I
Technical Problem
[0004]
2/42
Disclosure ofinvention
SP361856WOOO
However, in the case where the identification information requesting
5 command is received, it is desirable to increase a speed of returning the identification
information in response to the received conm1and.
Solution to Problem
[0005]
10 According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information
processing system including: a plurality of processing devices each of which includes
a storage unit configured to store an identification information piece; a management
device configured to acquire the identification information piece from each of the
plurality of the processing devices; and a communication device configured to
15 communicate with an external device. The management device writes the
identification information piece acquired from each of the plurality of the processing
devices into the communication device. The communication device outputs a
command received from the external device to one of the plurality of the processing
devices on the basis of write orders of the identification information pieces written
20 into the conmmnication device by the management device.
[0006]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an
information processing method including: acquiring an identification information
piece from each nf a plurality of processing devices; writing the identification
25 information piece acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a
communication device; and outputting a command received from an external device
to one of the plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of the
identification information pieces written into the communication device.
30
[0007]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a
management device including: an identificatipn information acquisition unit
SP361856WOOO
3/42
configured to acquire an identification information piece from each of a plurality of
processing devices; and a write process unit configured to write the identification
information piece acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a
communication device. A command received by the communication device is
5 output to one of the plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of
the identification information pieces written into the communication device.
[0008]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a
management method including: acquiring an identification information piece from
10 each of a plurality of processing devices; and writing the identification information
piece acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a
communication device. A command received by the communication device IS
output to one of the plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of
the Identification information pieces written into the communication device.
15 [0009]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program
for causing a computer to function as a management device, the management device
including: an identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire an
identification information piece from each of a plurality of processing devices; and a
20 write process unit configured to write the identification information piece acquired
from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a communication device.
A command received by the communication device is output to one of the plurality
of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.
25 [0010]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a
communication device including: a storage control unit configured to control a
storage unit in a manner that a management device writes an identification
information piece acquired by the management device from each of a plurality of
30 processing devices; a command input accepting unit configured to accept input of a
command; and a command output unit configure4 to output the command to one of
5
SP361856WOOO
4/42
the plurality of the processmg devices on the basis of write orders of the
identification information pieces written into tbe storage unit by the management
device.
[0011]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a
communication method including: controlling a storage unit in a marmer that a
management device writes an identification information piece acquired by the
management device from each of a plurality of processing devices; accepting input
of a command; and outputting the command to one of the plurality of the processing
10 devices on the basis of write orders of the identification information pieces written
into the storage unit by the management device.
[0012]
In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program
for causing a computer to function as a communication device, the communication
15 device including: a storage control unit configured to control a storage unit in a
marmer that a management device writes an identification information piece acquired
by the management device from each of a plurality of processing devices; a
command input accepting unit configured to accept input of a command; and a
command output unit configured to output the command to one of the plurality of the
20 processing devices on the basis of write orders of the identification information
pieces written into the storage unit by the management device.
25
Advantageous Effects oflnvention
[0013]
In the case where the identification information requesting command is
received, it is possible to increase the speed of returning the identification
infmmation in response to the received command according to the present disclosure
as described above. Note that the effects described above are not necessarily
limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any one
30 of the effects described in this specification or other effects that may be grasped from
this specification. I
SP361856WOOO
5/42
Brief Description of Drawings
(0014]
[FIG. I] FIG. I is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication
5 system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a contactless
communication device.
(FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a front
end.
10 [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a
device host
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an external
contactless communication device.
(FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating apacket configuration of an SE ON request.
15 [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a packet configuration of an SE ON
responses.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a packet configuration of a polling request
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a packet configuration of a polling response.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating operation for setting priority orders to
20 combinations of application identification information pieces and secure element
identification information pieces.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating operation for setting priority orders to
combinations of application identification information pieces and secure element
identification information pieces.
25 [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating operation for setting priority orders to
combinations of application identification information pieces and secure element
identification information pieces.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating operation for setting priority orders to
combinations of application identification information pieces and secure element
30 identification information pieces.
(FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating operJltion for writing combinations of
SP361856WOOO
6/42
application identification information p!Cces and secure element identification
information pieces into a memory of a front end.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a transfer destination of a polling request
received from an external contactless communication device.
5 [FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a transfer destination of a polling request
received from an external contactless communication device.
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a diagral!lil!ustrating a transfer destination of a polling request
received from an external contactless communication device.
[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of overall operation
10 of a communication system.
15
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of a front end.
Mode( s) for Carrying Out the Invention
[0015]
Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. In this specification
and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same
function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated
explanation of these structural elements is omitted.
20 [0016]
The description is given in the following order.
1. System configuration example
2. Configuration example of contactless communication device
3. Functional configuration example of front end
25 4. Functional configuration example of device host
5. Functional configuration example of external contactless communication device
6. Packet configurations of various commands
7. Identification information collecting operation
8. Priority order setting operation
30 9. Identification information writing operation
10. Command transfer operation I
SP361866WOOO
7/42
11. Workflow of operation of communication system
12. Workflow of operation affront end
13. Conclusion
[0017]
5 <1. System configuration example>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication
system according to aiTembodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated!n FIG.
1, a communication system 1 includes an information processing system (hereinafter,
also referred to as contactless communication device) 11 and an external device
10 (hereinafter, also referred to as external contactless communication device) 12. The
contactless communication device 11 and the external contact1ess communication
device 12 mutually perform contactless communication. For example, the
contactless commtmication device 11 and the external contactless communication
device 12 perform contactless communication based on a specification of neal'~ field
15 communication (NFC).
[0018]
The contactless communication device 11 may be implemented by an IC
card, or may be implemented by a mobile phone device, for example. Also, the
external contactless communication device 12 may be implemented by a
20 reader/writer, and may be installed in a shop, a ticket gate for a conveyance, or the
like. A user carrying the contactless communication device 11 passes the
contactless communication device 11 over the external contactless communication
device 12. This can cause the contactless communication device 11 to perform
contactless communication with the external contactless communication device 12.
25 According to such contactless communication, the external contactless
communication device 12 can perform a predetermined process (for example, fee
payment process) with regard to the contactless communication device 11.
(0019]
<2. Configuration example of contactless communication device>
30 Next, a configuration example of the contactless communication device 11
will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustratinp the configuration example of the
SP36185GWOOO
8/42
contactless com1mmication device 11. As illustrated m FIG. 2, the contactless
communication device 11 includes an antcm1a 31, a communication unit or
communication device (hereinafter, also refened to as front end (FE)) 32, a
management unit or management device (hereinafter, also referred to as device host
5 (DH) 33, a processing units or processing devices (hereinafter, also referred to as
secure elements (SEs)) 34-1 to 34-3, an operation unit 53, and a display unit 54.
Hereinafter, the secure elements (SEs) 34-1 to 34-3 are simply referred to as "secure
elements 34" in a case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the secure
elements (SEs) 34-1 to 34-3. The same applies to other structural elements. In
10 addition, the number of the secure elements 34 is not limited as long as the number
of the secure elements 34 is two or more.
[0020]
The antenna 31 exchanges electromagnetic waves with an antenna (not
illustrated) of th-e external contactless communication device 12. Tne front end 32
15 exchanges signals with the external contactless communication device 12 via the
antenna 31 connected with a terminal RF-DATA. A memory 41 of the front end 32
is a volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 41 can store identification
information as described later. Details of the identification information will be
described later. In addition, the memory 41 stores a program to be executed by a
20 processor of the front end 32.
[0021]
A terminal DATAB of the front end 32 is connected with a terminal DATA
of the device host 33 via a line 51. In a similar way, a terminal DATAl of the front
end 32 is connected with a terminal DATA of the secure element 34-1 via a line 52-1,
25 a terminal DATA2 of the front end 32 is connected with a terminal DATA of the
secure element 34-2 via a line 52-2, and a terminal DATA3 of the front end 32 is
connected with a terminal DATA of the secure element 34-3 via a line 52-3.
[0022]
The device host 33 collects identification information pieces from the
30 respective secure elements 34-1 to 34-4 and outputs the identification information
pieces to the front end 32. Thereby, the identifi9ation information pieces collected
SP361856WOOO
9/42
from the respective secure elements 34-1 to 34-4 are written into the memory 41 of
the front end 32. Timings at which the identification information pieces are
collected from the respective secure elements 34-1 to 34-4 may be a timing at which
the contactless communication device 11 is powered on, or a timing at which any of
5 the secure elements 34-1 to 34-4 is attached/detached. Alternatively, the timings
may be a timing at which the device host requests the collection, or may be a timing
at whtch a new application is installed.
[0023]
A terminal STl of the device host 33 is connected wifh a terminal ST of the
10 secure element 34-1 via a line 61-1, a terminal ST2 is connected wifh a terminal ST
of the secure element 34-2 via a line 61-2, and a terminal ST3 is connected with a
terminal ST of the secure element 34-3 via a line 61-3. This enables the device host
33 to check connection statuses of the respective secure elements 34-lto 34-3 with
the device host 33.
15 [0024]
As described above, the terminals STl, ST2, and ST3 of fhe device host 33
are connected with the terminals ST of the respective secure elements 34-1, 34-2, and
34-3 individually in a one-to-one manner. In addition, fhe terminals DATAl,
DATA2, and DATA3 of the front end 32 are connected with the terminals DATA of
20 the respective secure elements 34-1 to 34-3 individually in a one-to-one manner.
Therefore, the terminals DATAl, DATA2, and DATA3 of the front end 32 correspond
to the respective terminals STl, ST2, and ST3 of fhe device host 33 individually in a
one-to-one manner. In addition, fhe memory 42 stores a program to be executed by
a processor of the device host 33.
25 [0025]
The secure element 34-1 includes a memory 43-1 that stores an
identification information piece. The memory 43-1 may be a non-volatile memory.
In addition, the secure element 34-1 stores an application, and performs a process in
response to a request from the external contactless communication device 12
30 (process based on application). As the identification infonnation piece, fhe memory
43-1 stores an identification information piece (Ii?l) of fhe secure element 34-1 and
5
SP36185GWOOO
10/42
an application identification information piece (SCI). In addition, the memory 43-1
stores a program or an application to be executed by a processor of the secure
element 34-1.
[0026]
In a similar way, the secure element 34-2 includes memory 43-2 that stores
an identification information piece. The memory 43-2 may be a non-volatile
memory. In addition, the secure element 34-2 stores an application, and performs a
process in response to a request from the external contactless communication device
12 (process based on application). As the identification information piece, the
10 memory 43-2 stores an identification information piece (ID2) of the secure element
34-2 and an application identification information piece (SC2). In addition, the
15
memory 43-2 stores a program or an application to be executed by a processor of the
secure element 34-2.
[0027]
The secure element 34-3 includes a memory 43-3 that stores an
identification information piece. The memory 43-3 may be a non-volatile memory.
In addition, the secure element 34-3 stores an application, and performs a process in
response to a request from the external contactless communication device 12
(process based on application). As the identification information piece, the memory
20 43-3 stores an identification information piece (ID3) of the secure element 34-3 and
an application identification information piece (SC3). In addition; the memory 43-3
stores a program or an application to be executed by a processor of the secure
element 34-3.
[0028]
25 Via a line 62, electric power is supplied to respective terminals VDD of the
front end 32, the device host 33, and the secure elements 34-1 to 34-3. The device
host 33 and the secure element 34-1 to 34-3 have an activation function and
deactivation function. For example, as specified in Near Field Communication
Wired Interface (NFC-WI) (ISO/IEC28361 ), the device host 33 and the secure
30 elements 34-1 to 34-3 are activated when a pulse is input to the terminals DATA in a
state where electric power is supplied to the termiryals VDD. On the other hand, the
5
SP361856WOOO -
11/42
device host 33 and the secure clements 34-1 to 34-3 are deactivated when a pulse is
not input to the tetminals DATA in a state where electric power is supplied to the
terminals VDD.
[0029]
The operation unit 53 has a function of accepting operation from a user.
For example, the operation unit 53 may be an input device operated by a user such as
a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a button, a switch, or a lever, or may be a
microphone capable of detecting voice of a ~ser. The display unit 54 is
implemented by a device that can visually or aurally issue a notification to a user.
10 For example, the display unit 54 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic
15
electro-luminescence display, or a sound output device such as a speaker or
headphones.
[0030]
<3. Functional configuration example of front end>
Next, a functional configuration example of the front end 32 will be
described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration example of
the front end 32. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the front end 32 includes a control unit
320, an input unit 324, the memory (storage unit) 41, and an output unit 325. The
control unit 320 is implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit
20 (CPU). Functions of the control unit 320 are achieved by the processor executing
the program stored in the memory 41. The control unit 320 includes a storage
control unit 321, a command input accepting unit 322, a command output unit 323,
and the like. Such structural elements of the control unit 320 will be described later.
[0031]
25 The input unit 324 has a function of accepting input signals. For example,
the input unit 324 corresponds to the terminal ST, the terminal DATA, the terminal
RF-DATA, and the terminal VDD in the above described example. The output unit
325 has a function of outputting signals. For example, the output unit 325
corresponds to the terminal'ST, the terminal DATA, and the terminal RF-DATAin the
30 above described example. The functional configuration example of the front end 32
has been described above. I
SP361856WOOO
12/42
[0032]
<4. Functional configuration example of device host>
Next, a functional configuration example of the device host 33 will be
described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration example of
5 the device host 33. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device host 33 includes a control
unit 330, an input unit 334, the memory (storage unit) 42, and an output unit 335.
The control unit 330 is implemenTed by a processor such as a CPU. Functions of
the control unit 330 are achieved by the processor executing the program stored in
the memory 42. The control unit 330 includes an identification information
10 acquisition unit 331, a priority order setting unit 332, a write process unit 333, and
the like. Such structural elements of the control unit 330 will be described later.
[0033]
The input unit 334 has a function of accepting input signals. For example,
the input unit 334 corresponds to the terminals STJ, ST2, and ST3, the terminal
15 DATA, the terminal VDD, and a connection terminal with the operation unit 53 in the
above described example. The output unit 335 has a function of outputting signals.
For example, the output unit 335 corresponds to the terminals STJ, ST2, and ST3,
the terminal DATA, and a connection terminal with the display unit 54 in the above
described example. The functional configuration example of the device host 33 has
20 been described above.
[0034]
<5. Functional configuration example of external contactless communication device>
Next, a functional configuration example of the external contactless
communication device 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the
25 functional configuration example of the external contactless communication device
12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the external contactless communication device 12
includes an acquisition unit 91, a setting unit 92, and an execution unit 93. The
acquisition unit 91 acquires an identification information piece stored in the memory
41 of one of the secure elements 34-1 to 34-3 in the contactless commtmication
30 device 11, via the front end 32 from the contactless commtmication device 11.
[0035] I
-------
SP361856WOOO
13/42
Among dedicated communication lines between the front end 32 and the
secure elements 34-1 to 34-3, the setting unit 92 sets a commtmication line of the
secure element 34 con·esponding to the one identification information piece acquired
by the acquisition unit 91. The execution unit 93 causes the secure element 34
5 corresponding to the one identification information piece acquired by the acquisition
unit 91, to execute a predetermined process (process based on application stored in a
memory 41).
[0036]
<6. Packet configurations of various commands>
10 Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, packet configurations of various
commands used in the communication system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 illustrates
a packet configuration of an SE ON request. As illustrated in FIG. 6, SE No. is
attached to the SE ON request. The SE No. indicates a number of the terminal
DATAl, DATA2, or DATA3 of the front end 32. FIG. 7 illustrates a pacKet
15 configuration of an SE ON responses. As illustrated in FIG. 7, Status is attached to
the SE ON response. The Status indicates a status.
[0037]
When the SE ON request is received, the front end 32 sets a line of a
designated terminal among the lines 52-1 to 52-3 of the terminals DATAl, DATA2,
20 and DATA 3 (that is, commnnication line with designated secure element34), and
returns the SE ON response in which such a setting status is written. The secure
element 34 is set to the deactivation state in a case where the corresponding
communication line is not set. On the other hand, the secure element 34 is set to the
activation state in a case where the communication line is set.
25 [0038]
FIG. 8 illustrates a packet configuration of a polling request. As illustrated
in FIG. 8, the application identification information piece, an option, and a TSN are
attached to the polling request. In a case where the contactless communication
device 11 receives the polling request irom the external contactless communication
30 device 12, the secure element 34 having the memory 43 in which ihe application
identification information piece attached to the polling request is stored returns a
SP361856WOOO
14/42
polling response via the front end 32.
[0039]
For example, in the TSN, one of time slot numbers from 0 to 15 is written.
The front end 32 receives the polling response from the secure element 34, and
5 returns a response at a timing of a time slot munber less than or equal to a value
written in the TSN. For example, in a case where the maximum value (15) of the
time slot numberis written in the TSN, the front end 32 receives the response from
the secure element 34, and returns the response at a timing of a time slot number of
any value among 0 to 15. The option is used as necessary.
10 [0040]
FIG. 9 illustrates a packet configuration of a polling response. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the secure element identification information piece, a PAD, and
the application identification information piece are attached to the polling response.
The PAD is padded with predetermined data. In the following description, both the
15 secure element identification information piece and the application identification
information piece are referred to as the identification information piece. As the
identification information piece, it is only necessary to use at least one of the secure
element identification information piece and the application identification
information piece. The secure element identification information piece may be an
20 ID that is recorded at the time of manufacturing the secure element 34 and normally
not rewritable, or a unique ID that is numbered by a business operator in their
original way. The application identification information piece may be an ID given
for uniquely identifying an application.
[0041]
25 <7. Identification information collecting operation>
Next, an operation example in which the device host 33 collects an
identification information piece from each of the secure elements 34-1 to 34-3 will
be described. Such operation may be performed in a case of powering on the
contactless communication device 11. Alternatively, in a case of attaching or
30 detaching the secure element 34, the device host 33 may collect the identification
information piece from the attached/detached srcure element 34. Alternatively,
------~·-·--
SP361856WOOO
15/42
such operation may be performed when the device host 33 requests the identification
information piece from the secure element 34 or when a new application is installed
in the secure element 34. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the
device host 3 3 collects an identification information piece from the
5 attached/detached secnre element 34-1 in the case of attaching/detaching the secure
element 34-1.
[0042]
First, the device host 3 3 checks the status of the terminal STI to detect
whether the secure element 34-1 is newly connected with the terminal STI. Next,
10 the device host 33 outputs the SE ON request (SEl) to the front end 32 in a case
where it has been detected that the secure element 34-1 has been newly connected
with the terminal STI.
[0043]
When the front end 32 receives the SE ON request (SET), the front end 32
15 switches the communication line to the secure element 34-1 (SE1). In other words,
the front end 32 enables only the communication line of the line 52-1 among the
lines 52-1 to 52-3. Specifically, only the secure element 34-1 is activated, and the
other secure elements 34-2 and 34-3 are still in the deactivation state. As a result,
this can suppress wasteful electric power consumption in comparison with a case
20 where all the secure elements are always in the activation state. Next, the front end
32 returns theSE ON response to the device host 33.
[0044]
By receiving the SE ON response, the device host 33 can recognize that the
communication line has been switched to the communication line for the secure
25 element 34-1. Here, the device host 33 outputs the polling request. The front end
32 receives the polling request via the terminal DATAB, and transfers the polling
request to the secure element 34-l via the line 52-1 that is the already set
communication line.
30
[0045]
The secure element 34-l receives the polling request, and reads the
application identification information piece 1SCl and the secure element
SP36185GWOOO
16/42
identification information piece !Dl as the identification information piece stored in
the memory 43-l. Subsequently, the secure element 34-1 returns the polling
response to which the read secure element identification information piece ID 1 and
the read application identification information piece SCI are attached, to the front
5 end 32.
[0046]
The front end 32 receives the polling response, and transfers the polling
response to the device host 33. At this time, the front end 32 sets the secure
element 34-1 to the deactivation state. This can reduce electric power consumption.
10 The device host 33 receives the polling response. Thereby, the identification
information acquisition unit 331 of the device host 33 can collect the identification
information piece (combination of application identification information piece and
secure element identification information piece) from the secure element 34-1
connected with the terminal STI (connected with termiillii DATAl of device host 33).
15 [0047]
In a similar way, the identification information acquisition unit 331 can also
collect a combination of an application identification information piece and a secure
element identification information piece from each of the secure elements 34-2 and
34-3.
20 [0048]
<8. Priority order setting operation>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 to.FIG. 13, an operation example for setting
priority orders of the combinations of the application identification information
pieces and the secure element identification information pieces collected by the
25 identification information acquisition uuit 331 will be described. FIG. 10 to FIG.
13 are each a diagram illustrating operation for setting priority orders of
combinations of application identification information pieces and secure element
identification information pieces. In FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, corresponding secure
element inforn1ation pieces are information unique to the respective secure elements
30 34.
[0049] I
-~----------------
SP361856WOOO
17/42
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the priority order setting unit 332 has already set a
priority order "1" for a combination of an application identification information piece
"1111" and a secure element identification information piece "SE-21 ", a priority
order "2" for a combination of an application identification information piece "2222"
5 and a secure element identification information piece "SE-22", and a priority order
"3" for a combination of an application identification information piece "3333" and a
secure element identification information piece "SE-31 ". Here, the priority order
with a smaller value has a higher priority order. However, the relation between the
value of the priority order and the degree of the priority is not specifically limited.
10 [0050]
On the other hand, the priority order setting unit 332 has not set the priority
orders for a combination of the application identification information piece "1111"
and a secure element identification information piece "SE-11", or for a combination
of an application identification information p1ece "5555" and a secure element
15 identification information piece "SE-12". In this case, the priority order setting unit
332 can cause the display unit 54 to display a priority order setting screen G 1. The
priority order setting screen Gl displays an "application Al" to an "application A3"
in an application name column of available applications in descending order of
priority. The priority order setting screen G 1 also displays an "application A4" and
20 an "application AS" in an application name column of applications to be available.
[0051]
For example, it is assumed that the operation unit 53 has detected operation
for selecting the "application A4". In this case, the priority order setting unit 332
can cause the display unit 54 to display an application setting screen G2. As
25 illustrated in FIG. 10, in the application setting screen G2, it is possible to select
whether to set the "application A4" to available or to remove the "application A4".
However, in a case where the "application A4" is set to available, the same
applications (application identification information pieces "1111 ") stored in secure
elements 34 that are different from each other (SE-21 and SE-ll) are set to available.
30 [0052]
Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 11, it is
1
preferable that the priority order
SP361856WOOO
18/42
setting unit 332 cause the display unit 54 lo display a screen (conflict notification
screen) 03 to notify that the same applications are set to available (hereinafter, also
referred to as "conflict") in a case where the operation unit 53 has detected the
operation for setting the "application A4" to available. Subsequently, as illustrated
5 in FIG. 12, the priority order setting unit 332 may set the "application Al" to
unavailable and may set the "application A4" to available. Next, the priority order
setting unit 332 may cause the display unit 54 to display a priority order changing
screen 03 for changing the respective priority ordm·s of the available "application A2"
to "application A4".
10 [0053]
In a case where the operation unit 53 has detected operation for selecting the
"application A4", the "application A2", and the "application A3" in descending order
of priority in the priority order changing screen 04, the priority order setting unit 332
resets the priority order "1, for the combination of the application identification
15 information piece "1111" and the secure element identification information piece
"SE-ll", the priority order "2" for the combination of the application identification
information piece "2222" and the secure element identification information piece
"SE-22", and the priority order "3" for the combination of the application
identification information piece "3333" and the secure element identification
20 information piece "SE-31 ".
[0054]
When the priority orders have been changed, the priority order setting unit
332 may cause the display unit 54 to display a priority order changing screen 05, and
may cause the display unit 54 to display a priority order setting screen 06. In the
25 above described exan1ple, the priority orders are changed when the conflict occurs.
However, the timing of changing the priority orders is not limited to the timing when
the conflict occurs. For example, the priority order setting unit 332 may cause the
priority order changing screen 04 to be displayed to allow the priority orders to be
changed when the operation unit 53 has detected the operation for changing the
30 priority order. Alternatively, the priority order setting unit 332 may cause the
priority order changing screen 04 to be displaye~ to allow the priority orders to be
----------
SP36l856WOOO
19/42
changed when a combination of an application identification information piece and a
secure element identification information piece is newly detected.
[0055]
<9. Identification information writing operation>
5 Next, with reference to FIG. 14, an operation example will be described in
which combinations of application identification information pieces, secure element
identification information pieces, and corresponding secure element information
pieces are written into the memory 41 of the front end 32 in accordance with priority
orders set by the priority order setting unit 332. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating
10 operation for writing the combinations of application identification information
pieces, the secure element identification information pieces, and the corresponding
secure element information pieces into the memory 41 of the front end 32. The
write process unit 333 writes the combinations of the application identification
information pieces and the secure element identification information pieces into the--
15 memory 41 of the front end 32 in accordance with the priority orders.
[0056]
As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the combination of the application
identification information piece, the secure element identification information piece,
and the corresponding secure element information piece to which the priority order
20 "1" has been set is written into the memory 41 of the front end 32 in a write order
"1 ". In addition, the combination of the application identification information piece,
the secure element identification information piece, and the corresponding secure
element information piece to which the priority order "2" has been set is written into
the memory 41 of the front end 32 in a write order "2". In addition, the
25 combination of the application identification information piece, the secure element
identification information piece, and the corresponding secure element information
piece to which the priority order "3" has been set is written into the memory 41 of
the front end 32 in a write order "3 ".
30
[0057]
At this time, the storage control unit 321 of the front end 32 controls the
memory 41 so that the write process unit 3331 writes the combinations of the
SP361856WOOO
20/42
application identification infmmation p1eces, the secure element identification
information pieces, and the corresponding secure element information pieces into the
memory 41. Here, the example has been described above in which the write
process unit 333 writes the combinations of the application identification information
5 pieces, the secure element identification information pieces, and the conesponding
secure element information pieces into the memory 41 of the front end 32 in
accordance with the priority orders. However, it is also possible for the write
process unit 333 to write the combinations of the application identification
information pieces, the secure element identification information pieces, and the
10 conesponding secure element information pieces into the memory 41 of the front end
32 in accordance with information other than the priority orders.
[0058]
<10. Command transfer operation>
Next, with reierence to FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, a method for deciding a transfer
15 destination of a polling request in the contactless communication device 11 in a case
where the external contactless communication device 12 has transmitted the polling
request to the contactless communication device 11 will be described. Here, the
polling request is used as an example of a command. However, it is also possible to
use commands other than the polling request.
20 [0059]
FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 are each a diagram illustrating a transfer destination
(output destination) of a polling request received from the external contactless
communication device 12. The polling request is transmitted by the external
contactless communication device 12, received by the antenna 31 of the front end 32,
25 and accepted by the command input accepting unit 322. Subsequently, the
command output unit 323 transfers (outputs) the polling request to one of the secure
elements 34-1 to 34-3 on the basis of write orders of the identification info1mation
pieces (application identification information pieces and secure element
identification information pieces) written by the device host 33 into the front end 32. ·
30 [0060]
More specifically, the command output ~nit 323 selects one identification
SP361856WOOO
21/42
information piece (application identification information piece and secure element
identification information piece) from identification information pieces acquired
from the respective secure elements 34-1 to 34-3 on the basis of their write orders,
and transfers the polling request to the secure element 34 that has the memory 43 in
5 which the selected identification information piece is stored. For example, it is only
necessary for the command output unit 323 to acquire predetermined information set
in the polling request, and select one identification information piece on the basis of
the predetermined information and the write . order. Here, the application
identification information piece is used as the predetermined information set in the
10 polling request. However, other information (such as secure element identification
information piece) may be used.
[0061]
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the application
identification-information piece set in the polling request is "FFFFh". Here, "F" is
15 a value indicating that a corresponding digit is any value for the external contactless
communication device 12. At this time, the application identification information
piece "FFFFh" set in the polling request may correspond to inforn1ation used by the
external contactless communication device 12 for designating any application
identification information piece for the external contactless communication device 12.
20 [0062]
Therefore, it is only necessary for the command output unit 323 to select a
combination of the application identification information piece "llllh" and the
corresponding secure element identification infmmation piece "SE-ll" with earliest
write order as the one identification information piece. Subsequently, as illustrated
25 in FIG. 15, it is only necessary for the command output unit 323 to transfer the
polling request to the secure element 34-1 identified by the corresponding secure
element information piece "SE-1" associated with the combination of the application
identification information piece "llllh" and the secure element identification
information piece "SE-ll".
30 [0063]
Alternatively, for example, as illustrated 1in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the
SP86185GWOOO
22/42
application information piece set in the polling request is "FF22h". Here, "0" to "E"
are values used by the extemal contactless communication device 12 for specifying a
corresponding digit as a value from "0" to "E". In this situation, the application
infmmation piece "FF22h" set in the polling request may correspond to infmmation
5 used by the external contactless communication device 12 for specifying the third
digit and the forth digit of an application identification information piece as "2" and
specifying the first digit and the second digit of the application identification
information piece as any value for the external contactless communication device 12.
[0064]
10 Therefore, it is only necessary for the command output unit 323 to select a
combination of the application identification information piece "2222h" whose third
digit and fourth digit are "2" and the corresponding secure element identification
infmmation piece "SE-2" as the one identification infotmation piece. Subsequently,
as illustrated in FIG. 16, it is only necessary for the comrriand output unit 323 to
15 transfer the polling request to the secure element 34-2 identified by the
20
corresponding secure element information piece "SE-2" associated with the
combination of the application identification information piece "2222h" and the
secure element identification information piece "SE-22".
[0065]
Altematively, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the
application information piece set in the polling request is "33FFh". Here, in a way
similar to the above example, "0" to "E" are values used by the external contactless
communication device 12 for specifying a corresponding digit as a value from "0" to
"E". In this situation, the application information .piece "33FFh" set in the polling
25 request may correspond to information used by the extemal contactless
communication device 12 for specifying the first digit and the second digit of an
application identification information piece as "3" and specifying the second digit to
the fourth digit of the application identification information piece as any value for the
extemal contactless communication device 12.
30 [0066]
Therefore, it is only necessary for the copu:nand output unit 323 to select a
-------------
SP361856WOOO
23/42
combination of the application identification information piece "3333h" whose first
digit and second digit are "3" and the conesponding secure element identification
information piece "SE-31" as the one identification information piece.
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 17, it is only necessary for the command output
5 unit 323 to transfer the polling request to the secure element 34-3 identified by the
conesponding secure element information piece "SE-3" associated with the
combination of the application identification information piece "3333h" and the
secure element identification infmmation piece "SE-31 ".
10
[0067]
In a case where an application identification information piece set in a
polling request is information (such as "1111 h") used by the external contactless
communication device 12 for specifying the whole application identification
information piece, it is only necessary for the command output unit 323 to select the
identification information piece (such as "1111h"}tlle whole of which is specified by
15 the external contactless communication device 12 in accordance with the application
identification information piece set in the polling request, and a conesponding secure
element identification information piece (such as "SE-1") as the one identification
information piece
[0068]
20 <11. Workflow of operation of communication system>
Next, an example of overall operation of the communication system 1 will
be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating the example of overall
operation of the communication system 1. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the secure
element 34-1 transmits an identification information piece to the device host 33 (S 1 ).
25 In a similar way, the secure element 34-2 transmits an identification information
piece to the device host 33 (S2). In addition, the secure element 34-3 transmits an
identification information piece to the device host 33 (S3). The identification
information acquisition unit 331 of the device host 33 acquires the transmitted
identification information pieces.
30 [0069]
Next, when conflict has been detected (~4), the priority order setting unit
SP361856WOOO
24/42
332 of the device host 33 sets priority orders (S5), and the write process unit 333
writes the identification information pieces into the memory 41 of the front end 32 in
accordance with their priority orders (S6). At this time, the storage control unit 321
of the front end 32 controls the memory 41 so that the identification information
5 pieces are written into the memory 41. Subsequently, the extemal contact1ess
communication device 12 transmits a polling request to the front end 32 (S7), the
front end 32 receives the polling request;-and the command input accepting unit 322
accepts input of the polling request.
10
[0070]
Next, the command output unit 323 transfers the polling request to any one
of the secure elements 34-1 to 34-3 on the basis of the write orders of the
identification information pieces (S8). In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the
polling request is transferred to the secure element 34-1. Subsequently, the secure
element 34-1 that has received the polling request transmits a polling response to the
15 external contactless communication device 12 via the front end 32 (S9 and S10).
[0071]
<12. Workflow of operation of front end>
Next, an example of operation of the front end 32 will be described. FIG.
19 is a flowchart illustrating the example of operation of the front end 32. As
20 illustrated in FIG. 19, the command output unit 323 returns to S21 in a case where
the polling request has not been received (NO in S21). On the other hand, in a case
where the polling request has been received (YES in S21 ), the command output unit
323 extracts an application identification information piece with the earliest write
order (S22). Next, the command output unit 323 proceeds to S24 in a case where
25 the application identification information piece set in the polling request is "FFFFh"
(YES in S23). On the other hand, the command output unit 323 proceeds to S25 in
a case where no application identification information piece set in the polling request
is "FFFFh" (NO in S23).
30
[0072]
Subsequently, the command output unit 323 proceeds to S24 in a case where
all values other than "F" in the application identif}cation information piece set in the
-SP361856WOOO
25/42
polling request are equal to corresponding values in the extracted application
identification information piece (YES in S25). On the other hand, the command
output unit 323 proceeds to S26 in a case where some or all values other than "F" in
the application identification information piece set in the polling request are not
5 equal to corresponding values in the extracted application identification information
piece (NO in S25). Next, the command output unit 323 ends its operation in a case
where an application identification information piece with the latest write order is
compared with the application identification information piece set in the polling
request (YES in S26). On the other hand, in a case where the application
10 identification information piece with the latest write order is not compared with the
application identification information piece set in the polling request (NO in S26),
the command output unit 323 extracts an application identification information piece
with the second earliest write order (S27) and returns to S25.
15
20
[0073]
Subsequently, in a case where the command output unit 323 proceeds to S24,
the command output unit 323 transfers the polling request to a secure element 34
corresponding to the write order (S24) and ends its operation.
[0074]
<13. Conclusion>
According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided the
contactless communication device 11 including the plurality of secure clements 34
each of which includes the memory 4 3 configured to store an identification
information piece, the device host 33 configured to acquire the identification
information piece from each of the plurality of secure elements 34, and the front end
25 32 configured to communicate with the external contactless communication device
12. The device host 33 writes the respective identification information pieces
acquired from the plurality of secure elements 34 into the front end 32. The front
end 32 outputs a command received from the external contactless communication
; device 12 to one of the plurality of the secure elements 34 on the basis of write
30 orders of the identification information pieces written by the device host 33 into the
front end 32.
I
SP:361856WOOO
26/42
[0075]
According to such a configuration, it is only necessary to return the
identification information piece acquired from one of the plurality of secure elements
34. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible
5 to make response speed of an identification information piece in response to a
command that requests the identification information piece, faster than a case where
the respective identification information pieces acquired from the plurality of the
secure element 34 are returned. In addition, according to the embodiment of the
present disclosure, a command output destination is decided on the basis of the write
10 orders of the identification information pieces. Therefore, it is possible to easily
decide the command output destination. It is also possible to decide the command
output destination in view of the priority orders if the write orders are decided in
accordance with the set priority orders.
15
[0076]
For example, in a case where the command that requests the identification
information piece is broadcasted to the plurality of the secure elements 34, the
following situations occur. As one situation, although sometimes response time is
prescribed in the command that requests the identification information piece,
response time may exceed the prescribed time (load on front end 32 may increase)
20 when the command is broadcasted to the plurality of secure elements 34.
[0077]
As another situation, electric power consumption may increase because the
plurality of secure elements 34 have to respond to the command. However,
according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the command that requests
25 the identification information piece is not broadcasted to the plurality of secure
element 34, but is output to one of the plurality of secure elements 34. Therefore, it
is possible to avoid such situations.
[0078]
In a case where the front end 32 directly collects the respective
30 identification infom1ation pieces from the plurality of secure elements 34, a user has
to reset the priority orders when conflict occ'lrs. This requires a transaction
SPil61856WOOO
27/42
between the fi-ont end 32 and the device host 33 (with which operation unit 53 and
display unit 54 are connected). According to the embodiment of the present
disclosure, the device host 33 directly collects the respective identification
information pieces from the plurality of secure elements 34. Therefore, such a
5 transaction is not necessary.
[0079]
In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is only
necessary for the front end 32 to transfer the command to one of the plurality of
secure elements 34, and the front end 34 does not have to process the command.
10 Therefore, easy implementation is achieved. Moreover, according to the
embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of secure elements 34
does not have to be activated before transferring the command. Therefore, easy
operation sequence is achieved.
15
[0080]
In addition, in a case where the removable secure element 34 such as a uSD
or a UICC is attached or detached, the attachment or detachment of the secure
element 34 is considered to be transmitted to the front end 32 not directly and not in
real time, but the attachment or detachment of the secure element 34 is considered to
be transmitted to the device host 33 directly and in real time. Therefore, like the
20 embodiment of the present disclosure, control based on the attachment or detachment
of the secure element 34 is performed more easily in a case where the device host 33
collects the identification information pieces and writes the identification information
pieces into the front end 32 than the case where the front end 32 directly collects the
identification information pieces.
25 [0081]
In a similar way, like host card emulation, in a case where an identification
information piece is stored in the device host 33 from a server without passing
through the front end 32, or in a case where identification information piece stored in
the device host 33 is deleted from the server, such communication between the server
30 and the device host 33 is not considered to be transmitted to the front end not directly
and not in real time. Therefore, like the cmbopiment of the present disclosure,
I
SP361856WOOO
28142
control based on the communication between the server and the device host 33 is
performed more easily in the case where the device host 33 collects the identification
infmmation pieces and writes the identification information pieces into the front end
32 than the case where the front end 32 directly collects the identification
5 information pieces.
[0082]
Although a lot of identification information pieces-may he stored in the
device host 33 when using host card emulation, a lot of time is considered to be
necessary for the front end 32 to acquire all the identification information pieces. In
10 addition, in order to store the identification information pieces in the front end 32
even if only temporarily, many memories are necessary, and cost increases.
Therefore, like the embodiment of the present disclosure, the case where the device
host 33 collects the identification information pieces and writes the identification
informatiOn pieces into the front end 32 is more cost effectivethan the case where
15 the front end 32 directly collects the identification information pieces.
[0083]
The preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure has/have been
described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present
disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A person skilled in the art may find
20 various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it
should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the
present disclosure.
[0084]
In the above described example, the device host 33 is independent of the
25 other devices. However, the device host 33 does not have to be independent of the
other devices. For example, the device host 33 may be incorporated in another
device (such as secure element 34). In other words, the functions of the device host
33 may be incorporated in another device. Alternatively, the device host 33 does
not have to be separated from another device, and may be integrated with the another
30 device.
[0085] I
SP361856WOOO
29/42
The series of processes described above can be not only carried out by
hmdware but also cmried out by software. When the series of processes is to be
cmried out by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a
program recording medium onto a computer incorporated in dedicated hmdware or a
5 general-purpose personal computer, for example, that can perfonn various kinds of
functions by installing various kinds of programs thereon.
- [0086]
The program recording medium storing the program to be installed on the
computer and set in a state of being executable by the computer may include a
10 magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. Alternatively, the
program recording medium may include a removable media as packaged media
including a semiconductor memory, or the like, or ROM, hard disk, or the like, which
stores the program temporarily or permanently. The program is stored onto the
program recording medium using a wire or wireless coriununication medium such as
15 a local area network, the Internet, digital satellite broadcasting, or the like via an
interface such as a router, a modem, or the like as the occasion demands.
[0087]
In the present specification, the steps describing the program include not
only processes performed in time series in the described order but also processes not
20 necessarily performed in time series but performed in pmallel or individually.
[0088]
Further, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or
exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is, with or in the place of the above
effects, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects
25 that are clem to those skilled in the art based on the description of this specification.
[0089]
30
Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
(I)
An information processing system including:
a plurality of processing devices each of which includes a storage unit
configured to store an identification information p~ece;
5
SP361856WOOO
30/42
a management device configured to acquire the identification information
piece from each of the plurality of the processing devices; and
a communication device configured to communicate with an external device,
wherein
the management device writes the identification information piece acquired
from each of the plurality of the processing devices into the communication device,
and
the communication device outputs a command received from the external
device to one of the plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of
10 the identification information pieces written into the communication device by the
management device.
(2)
The information processing system according to (1 ), wherein
the communication device selects one identification information piece from
15 the respective identification information pieces acquired from the plurality of the
processing devices on the basis of the write orders, and outputs the command to the
processing device including the storage unit in which the one identification
information piece that has been selected is stored.
20
25
(3)
The information processing system according to (2), wherein
the commtmication device acquires predetermined information set in the
command and selects the one identification information piece on the basis of the
predetermined information and the write orders.
(4)
The information processing system according to (3 ), wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information used by the
external device for designating any identification information piece for the external
device, the communication device selects an identification information piece with the
earliest write order as the one identification information piece.
30 (5)
The information processing system accor?ing to (3), wherein
----------
SP361856WOOO
31/42
in a case where the predetermined information is information used by the
external device for specifying a whole of the identification information piece, the
communication device selects, as the one identification information piece, the
identification information piece the whole of which is specified by the external
5 device on the basis of the predetermined information.
(6)
The infmmation processing-system according to (3 ), wherein
in a case where the predete1mined information is information used by the
external device for specifying a part of the identification information piece and for
10 specifying a part other than the part of the identification information piece as any
information for the external device, the communication device selects an
identification information piece with the earliest write order, as the one identification
information piece, from among one or a plurality of identification information pieces
each of which has the part specified by the external device on the basis of the
15 predetermined information.
(7)
An information processing method including:
acquiring an identification information piece from each of a plurality of
processing devices;
20 writing the identification information p1ece acquired from each of the
plurality of the processing devices into a communication device; and
outputting a command received from an external device to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.
25 (8)
A management device including:
an identification information acquisition unit configured to acqmre an
identification information piece from each of a plurality of processing devices; and
a write process unit configured to write the identification information piece
30 acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a communication
device, wherein I
5
SP361856WOOO
32/42
a command received by the communication device is output to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.
(9)
A management method including:
acquiring an identification information p1ece from each of a plurality of
processing devices; and
writing the identification information p1ece acquired from each of the
plurality of the processing devices into a communication device, wherein
10 a command received by the communication device is output to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on the basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.

CLAIMS
Claim I
An information processing system comprising:
a plurality of processing devices each of which includes a storage unit
5 configured to store an identification information piece;
a management device configured to acquire the identification information
piece from each of the plurality of the processing devices; and
a communication device configured to communicate with an external device,
wherein
10 the management device writes the identification information piece acquired
from each of the plurality of the processing devices into the communication device,
and
the communication device outputs a command received from the external
device to one of the plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of
15 the identification information pieces written into the communication device by the
management device.
20
25
Claim 2
The information processing system according to claim I, wherein
the communication device selects one identification information piece from
the respective identification information pieces acquired from the plurality of the
processing devices on a basis of the write orders, and outputs the command to the
processing device including the storage unit in which the one identification
information piece that has been selected is stored.
Claim 3
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein
the communication device acquires predetermined information set in the
command and selects the one identification information piece on a basis of the
30 predetermined information and the write orders.
I
SP361856WQOO
37/42
Claim 4
The infonnation processing system according to claim 3, wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information used by the
external device for designating any identification information piece for the external
5 device, the communication device selects an identification infmmation piece with an
earliest write order as the one identification information piece.
Claim 5
The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein
10 in a case where the predetermined information is information used by the
15
external device for specifYing a whole of the identification information piece, the
communication device selects, as the one identification information piece, the
identification information piece the whole of which is specified by the external
device on a basis of the predetermined iriformation.
Claim6
The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information used by the
external device for specifYing a part of the identification information piece and for
20 specifying a part other than the part of the identification information piece as any
information for the external device, the communication device selects an
identification information piece with an earliest write order, as the one identification
information piece, from among one or a plurality of identification information pieces
each of which has the part specified by the external device on a basis of the
25 predetermined information.
Claim 7
An information processing method comprising:
acquiring an identification information piece from each of a plurality of
30 processing devices;
writing the identification information l(lece acquired from each of the
5
10
SP361856WOOO
. 38/42
plurality of the processing devices into a communication device; and
outputting a command received from an external device to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.
Claim 8
A management device-comprising:
an identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire an
identification information piece from each of a plurality of processing devices; and
a write process unit configured to write the identification information piece
acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a communication
device, wherein
a command received by the communication device is output to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification -·
15 information pieces written into the communication device.
Claim 9
A management method comprising:
acquiring an identification information piece from each of a plurality of
20 processing devices; and
writing the identification information piece acquired from each of the
plurality of the processing devices into a communication device, wherein
a command received by the communication device is output to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification
25 information pieces written into the communication device.
30
Claim 10
A program for causing a computer to function as a management device, the
management device including: ·
an identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire an
identification information piece from each of a plufality of processing devices; and
-----··--
SP36185GWOOO
39/42
a write process unit configured to write the identification information piece
acquired from each of the plurality of the processing devices into a communication
device, wherein
a command received by the communication device is output to one of the
5 plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the communication device.
10
15
20
Claim ll
A communication device comprising:
a storage control unit configured to control a storage unit in a manner that a
management device writes an identification information piece acquired by the
management device from each of a plurality of processing devices;
a command input accepting unit configured to accept input of a command;
and
a command output unit configured to output the command to one of the
plurality of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification
information pieces written into the storage unit by the management device.
Claim 12
The communication device according to claim ll, wherein
the command output unit selects one identification information piece from
the respective identification information pieces acquired from the plurality of the
processing devices on a basis of the write orders, and outputs the command to the
processing device in which the one identification information piece that has been
25 selected is stored.
Claim l3
The communication device according to claim 12, wherein
the command output unit acquires predetermined information set in the
30 command and selects the one identification information piece on a basis of the
predetermined information and the write orders. 1
SP361856WOOO
40142
Claim 14
The communication device according to claim 13, wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information used for
5 designating any identification information piece, the command output unit selects an
identification information piece with an earliest write order as the one identification
information piece.
10
15
Claim 15
The communication device according to claim 13, wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information for specifying
a whole of the identification information piece, the command output unit selects, as
the one identification infmmation piece, the identification information piece the
whole ofwhicnis specified on a basis of the predetermined infmmation.
Claim 16
The communication device according to claim 13, wherein
in a case where the predetermined information is information for specifying
a part of the identification information piece and for specifying a part other than the
20 part of the identification information piece as any information, the corrunand output
unit selects an identification information piece with an earliest write order, as the one
identification information piece, from among one or a plurality of identification
information pieces each of which has the part specified on a basis of the
predetermined information.
25
Claim 17
A communication method comprising:
controlling a storage unit in a manner that a management device writes an
identification information piece acquired by the management device from each of a
30 plurality of processing devices;
accepting input of a command; and
SP361856WOOO
41/42
outputting the command to one of the plurality of the pr<;>cessing devices on
a basis of write orders of the identification information pieces written into the storage
unit by the management device.
5 Claim 18
· A program for causing a computer to function as a communication device,
the communication device 1ncluding:
a storage control unit configured to control a storage unit in a manner that a
management device writes an identification infonnation piece acquired by the
10 management device from each of a plurality ~f processing devices;
a command input accepting unit configured to accept input of a cotmnand;
and
a command output unit configured to output the cmnmm1d to one of the
. plurahty of the processing devices on a basis of write orders of the identification·
· 15 information pieces written into the storage unit by the management device.