Processing device, processing method, and processing program

Abstract

The processing device (1) according to the present application includes a determiner (30) that compares state information obtained from field state-related information, information that specifies the content of the comparison in the determiner (30) and an action related to a state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and generation-related information of a state information generation section that generates state information from the field state-related information, and performs processing associated with the determiner. The information that specifies the content of the comparison in the determiner (30) and the action related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the generation-related information of the state information generation section that generates state information from the field state-related information can be changed independently of the action of the determiner (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing apparatus, a processing method, and a processing procedure. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, processing devices based on programs for performing prescribed processing were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a program for displaying an input mathematical expression on a display and for verifying the input mathematical expression.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-119033. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In conventional devices that use programs, there is room for improvement in terms of convenience, reliability, and security, such as the ability to temporarily and substantially stop the program's operation when conditions or functions are changed, added, or deleted.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its object is to provide a processing apparatus, processing method, and processing program that improves convenience, reliability, or security.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the processing apparatus of the present invention includes a determiner for comparing state information, wherein the state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the action related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, processing associated with the determiner is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the action related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, can be changed independently of the action of the determiner.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention involves a processing method that compares state information obtained from a field using a determiner. The state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, processing associated with the determiner is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, can be changed independently of the determiner's actions.

[0012] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides a processing procedure for enabling a computer to function as a processing device to perform a determination function that compares state information, wherein the state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determination function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, processing associated with the determination function is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determination function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, can be changed independently of the actions of the determination function.

[0013] Furthermore, another aspect of the processing apparatus of the present invention includes a determiner that compares state information, said state information being obtained from a field, the state information including: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0014] Furthermore, another aspect of the processing apparatus of the present invention includes a determiner for comparing state information, wherein the state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the action related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, processing associated with the determiner is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner and the action related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, can be changed independently of the action of the determiner. The state information includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, a processing apparatus, processing method, and processing program that improve convenience, reliability, or security are provided. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating the function of the processing apparatus in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an example of a function block diagram illustrating the function of a decision unit included in a processing device.

[0019] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of specifying information for an action processed in a processing device.

[0020] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a processing device.

[0021] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example of a processing method of a processing device.

[0022] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of a processing method of a processing device.

[0023] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating a structural variation of the processing device.

[0024] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating a structural variation of the processing device.

[0025] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating a structural variation of the processing device.

[0026] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of self-referential action.

[0027] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of self-referential action.

[0028] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of self-referential action.

[0029] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an example of combining a processing device with a certification and licensing body.

[0030] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of multiple processing devices.

[0031] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of multiple processing devices.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system that performs transaction processing. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same elements are referred to by the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0034] In this embodiment, after giving a general overview of the processing apparatus and processing method, the specific steps of actually applying the processing apparatus to the desired processing will be described in detail.

[0035] <Overview of the Processing Unit>

[0036] [Schematic structure of the processing device]

[0037] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the functional aspects of a processing apparatus according to one embodiment. The processing apparatus 1 described in this embodiment includes: a state transition method acquisition unit 10, a state specification acquisition unit 20, and a determiner 30. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In this example, a receiver 40 and an actor 50 are shown as functional units linked to the determiner 30. The receiver 40 can be used as a state information generation unit, for example. The receiver 40 and the actor 50 can be specified by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and / or the state specification acquisition unit 20, thereby enabling, for example, the addition, modification, or deletion of functions.

[0038] The processing device 1 described in this embodiment can be a device for changing the state of a field. The processing device 1 can also be a device for changing the state of a field. In this embodiment, a field can be any state that exists as an entity in the real world, or any perceptible object. A perceptible object can refer to, for example, an area (e.g., location, space, time, etc.) whose state can be detected by a receiver (described later). For example, the state of a field can be detected by a receiver. For example, a field can refer to an area that participant 50 can influence. Furthermore, the area that participant 50 can influence can also be participant 50 itself. For example, from the perspective of a certain processing device 1, a field can refer to an area other than the determiner 30 of that processing device 1. For example, from the perspective of a certain processing device 1, a processing device 1 other than that processing device 1 can be a field. The processing device 1 can be a device that compares the state detected in the receiver 40 with the state specified in the state transition method information D1 processed by the state transition method acquisition unit 10, and based on the result, performs a state transition-related action in the participant.

[0039] Furthermore, the processing device 1 can be a device for performing multi-step processing. Performing multi-step processing can mean, for example, executing the determination of the determiner 30 or comparison-related processing in at least one step of a plurality of steps. With such a structure, the processing device 1 can also be implemented, for example, as a device for controlling an object or a control device for controlling a system. The operation of the processing device 1 described below can also be performed in at least one step of a plurality of steps.

[0040] The state transition method acquisition unit 10 is capable of holding state transition method information D1 and processing it. The state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 can be a set of rules related to the operation of the processing device 1. In the processing device 1, the state of a field can be described by "state information" which includes at least a combination of a label (rL) and a profile (P). The label (rL) can be equivalent to the name of the "property" used to describe the state in the state information. For example, "temperature" and "humidity" can be examples of labels. Furthermore, the profile (P) can be information indicating what kind of state the "property" determined by the label is. When the label (rL) is "humidity", the actual humidity value ("50%" etc.) that combines unit information and numerical information can be equivalent to the profile (P), or when the label (rL) is "humidity (%)" that includes unit information, the part of the actual humidity value without the unit information ("50" etc.) can be equivalent to the profile (P). Additionally, in the following implementations, the combination of label (rL) and profile (P) is sometimes described as (rL, P). For example, a state where the label is humidity and the profile is 50% is sometimes described as (rL: humidity, P: 50%) or (rL: humidity (%), P: 50%).

[0041] When the field's state is a specified state (e.g., the label and profile included in the state information are specified conditions), the state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 can specify the content of the comparison of the state of the processing device 1 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, so that the participant performs an action to change the state of the field. For example, the description above, "when the label and profile are specified conditions, the participant performs a specified action to change or alter the state of the field," can be equivalent to a rule related to the actions of the processing device 1. The state transition method information D1 can be configured to include two sections, the details of which will be described later.

[0042] The status specification acquisition unit 20 can hold the status specification information D2 and has the function of setting related to the operation of the processing device 1. As described above, in the processing device 1, the status of a field can be described by a combination of a tag (rL) and a profile (P). The status specification acquisition unit 20 can hold the status specification information D2. Although the status specification information D2 can specify the tag (rL) that the processing device 1 is observing and specify the conditions for causing the receiver to act, it is not limited to this.

[0043] The state designation information D2 processed in the state designation acquisition unit 20 can be: a label (rL) to be used, and a specified state associated with that label to indicate a state transition. The specified state can be, for example, the final state of the transition, a previous state before the final state, multiple previous states leading to the specified state, or a combination of the final state and previous states. Alternatively, it can be information that serves as a criterion for determining whether a participant should perform an action in the final state. Alternatively, it can be information that serves as a criterion for determining whether a participant should perform an action when the specified state is the final state. However, the method of state designation obtained from the state designation information D2 is not limited to this method. For example, as an example of a condition specified in the state designation information D2, it can be "the profile (P) corresponding to a certain label (rL) is within a specified range." The state designation information D2 can be structured to include three sections, the details of which will be described later.

[0044] The so-called determiner 30 is a device that makes a determination to execute an action of a participant based on the state of a field. The determiner 30 can acquire a tag (rL) and a profile (P) representing the state of the field, wherein the field is specified by the state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 held by the state specification acquisition unit 20. The determiner 30 may also have the function of acquiring the state (rL, P) of the field from a receiver, which is set up for acquiring the state (rL, P) of the field. Furthermore, the determiner 30 may also have the function of comparing the acquired state (rL, P) of the field with the conditions specified by the state transition method information D1 in the state transition method acquisition unit 10, thereby initiating or performing an action by the participant.

[0045] The aforementioned state transition method acquisition unit 10 and state specification acquisition unit 20 may also have the function of maintaining information related to condition settings, which are used to perform the judgment in the determiner 30. Furthermore, if either or both of the state transition method information D1 maintained by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 maintained by the state specification acquisition unit 20 are changed, the operation of the determiner 30 can be modified. The state transition method acquisition unit 10 and state specification acquisition unit 20 may also have the function of sensing changes to the state transition method information D1 or the state specification information D2 and quickly changing the processing in the determiner 30.

[0046] Next, the receiver 40 and participant 50 attached to the decision 30 will be explained.

[0047] Receiver 40 may have the function of acquiring the state (rL, P) of a field provided to determiner 30. A tag (rL) may be used as an identifier for receiver 40. Information received by receiver 40 may also be a profile (P). Receiver 40 may be linked to an external sensor or object X used to acquire the state (rL, P) of a field, and may provide the information acquired from object X as the state (rL, P) of the field to determiner 30. Receiver 40 may be a structure that continuously acquires information from object X, or a structure that senses changes in object X. Accurately grasping changes when object X changes is a necessary function of receiver 40.

[0048] Receiver 40 can add, delete, or modify functionality based on the "state (rL, P)" of the field being processed by determiner 30. Figure 1 The example illustrates two receivers 40 (a receiver 40 with a solid line and a receiver 40 with a dashed line). In this way, the determiner 30 can acquire the field's state (rL, P) from multiple receivers 40. Based on the state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 held by the state specification acquisition unit 20, the receivers 40 are controlled (generated, modified, or deleted) by, for example, the receiver platform 33 described later in the determiner 30. Furthermore, when acquiring information related to this change from object X (e.g., sensor measurement values ​​if object X is a sensor), the receiver 40 can provide the determiner 30 with a state assigned an appropriate tag (rL) corresponding to the acquired information as the "field's state (rL, P)". As described above, the receiver 40 can convert the information acquired from object X into state information (rL, P) and then provide it to the determiner 30. The receiver 40 can also function as a state information generation unit, generating state information based on the field's state. Alternatively, it is possible to use only one receiver 40.

[0049] Furthermore, for the combination of information (rL, P) representing the state of a field (state information), when information obtained from object X, etc., reaches receiver 40, the tag (rL) and profile (P) can also be a group of states (rL, P) as state information representing the state of the field. For example, the information before reaching receiver 40 can be a combination of (rL, P), or receiver 40 can generate information combining the tag (rL) and profile (P) as state information. In addition, since the content of the profile (P) is not limited, for example, the profile (P) can be a state (rL', P') containing information similar to the tag and information similar to the profile. In this case, state information (rL, P) = (rL, (rL', P')) with an appropriate tag (rL) is also formed in receiver 40, and the appropriate tag (rL) is based on the description in state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2. Thus, although information similar to the tag (rL) may sometimes be given before the receiver 40 (e.g., object X), the receiver 40 at least obtains information as a profile (P) from object X, etc. In contrast, after associating the tag (rL) based on the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2, it can be provided to the determiner 30 as state information.

[0050] Regarding receiver 40, although it can be specified by the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2, examples of receiver 40's type (e.g., function) include the following. The type of receiver used can be determined by the type of object X. Furthermore, the type of receiver is not limited to the examples below and can be extended based on the type of object X.

[0051] • File receiver: The ability to sense changes in values ​​contained in a specific file (including changes in content, timestamps, etc.). Additionally, the file can also be a file that directly manipulates memory, such as RAMFS.

[0052] • FIFO receiver: The function of sensing the insertion of values ​​into a device (e.g., a memory) that has FIFO (First In First Out) characteristics.

[0053] • Network receiver: A device that monitors specific ports and senses the reception of data packets.

[0054] • Device receiver: The function of sensing changes in characteristic quantities of a specific device (sensor, etc.)

[0055] • DB receiver: The function of sensing changes to specific records in a specific database.

[0056] Furthermore, the receiver 40 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of objects X. For example, when sensing changes in multiple objects X of the same type, receiver 40 can be set for each of the multiple objects X. When there are multiple objects X, how receiver 40 is set can be changed according to the provisions of state transition method acquisition unit 10 and state specification acquisition unit 20.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state designation acquisition unit 20 may also have the function of sensing changes in the state transition method information D1 and the state designation information D2 present in the field. Therefore, the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state designation acquisition unit 20 may also have the function of sensing the state of the field. In this respect, the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state designation acquisition unit 20 may have the same function as the receiver 40. In this case, the state information (rL, P) provided by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 to the determiner 30 can also be referred to as (D1, "changed content"). In addition, the state information (rL, P) provided by the state designation acquisition unit 20 to the determiner 30 can be (D2, "changed content").

[0058] Participant 50 can be a combination of an action entity (e.g., a program, circuit, device, etc.) attached to participant platform 34, or an action entity (e.g., a program, circuit, device, etc.) existing in a field, and its action method. Alternatively, the action entity may also include the processing device 1 itself. For participant 50, based on the state transition method information D1 held by state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 held by state specification acquisition unit 20, its control content (start, change, end, etc.) can be changed by the determiner 30. In processing device 1, if the determiner 30 determines that participant 50 should be started based on the state (rL, P) of a field, the action entity based on the information described in state transition method information D1 can also be made to perform an action using the action method specified by state transition method information D1. When participant 50 is started or acts, the state of the field can change (transform).

[0059] Regarding participant 50, although it is specified by the state transition method information D1 (as an example, this is section two, D92, described later), it is sometimes also specified by a supplementary part in the state specification information D2 (as an example, this is section five, D95, described later). Examples of participant types (e.g., functions) can be found below. Furthermore, the types of participants are not limited to the examples below and can be appropriately changed depending on the state to be transitioned to. At least one of the functions of a participant can also be inserted as a fixed element into the participant platform 34. This allows the participant's object to be placed in a field. For example, in the following examples, fields can be placed for "specific file," "device with FIFO characteristics," "specific node / port," "specific database," and "entity executing commands."

[0060] • File participants: Functions that modify values ​​(such as content, timestamps, etc.) contained in a specific file. Additionally, files can also be those that directly manipulate memory, such as RAMFS.

[0061] • FIFO participant: The function of inserting values ​​into a device (e.g., a memory) that exhibits FIFO (First In First Out) characteristics.

[0062] • Network participants: The ability to send data packets to specific nodes and ports.

[0063] • Device participant: The function of sending characteristic quantities to a specific device (e.g., actuator, etc.).

[0064] • DB Participant: The ability to modify specific records within a specific database.

[0065] • Exec participant: The function to execute the specified command.

[0066] • Shell participants: Functions that allow the shell to execute specified commands.

[0067] • Specific action participant: performs specific actions such as the end decision 30.

[0068] Alternatively, multiple participants 50 can be linked to a processing device 1. For example, the structure could be as follows: based on the result determined by the determiner 30, multiple participants 50 take action. Figure 1 The example illustrates multiple participants 50, but their number can be varied appropriately. Furthermore, the actions of multiple participants 50 can be associated with a single decision result. Based on the state transition method information D1 (and possibly state specification information D2, depending on the situation), the number and order of actions of the participants 50 acting according to the decision result of the determiner 30 can be appropriately changed.

[0069] The processing device 1 may also have the function of performing the desired processing by activating the aforementioned components. Furthermore, as described above, the receiver 40 can perform generation, deletion, and modification based on the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. Moreover, regarding the participant 50, the action corresponding to the determination result of the determiner 30 can also be determined based on the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. Therefore, the receiver 40 and the participant 50 can be modified according to the processing content of the processing device 1.

[0070] Furthermore, it is possible for the receiver 40 and the participant 50 to perform actions linked to the determiner 30 in parallel with the actions of the determiner 30. For example, it is possible to configure a structure in which the receiver 40 provides state information to the determiner 30 independently of the determiner 30's determination action. Furthermore, regarding the participant 50, it is also possible to configure a structure in which the participant performs actions independently of the determiner 30's determination action, based on the determination result of the determiner 30.

[0071] The functional units that perform the desired processing in the processing device 1, such as programs, circuits, and devices used to implement their functions, can be classified as either fixed elements or variable elements. The determiner 30 in each part of the processing device 1 can be considered a fixed element. As described above, although most of the processing device 1 can be processed as variable elements, the determiner 30 can also be considered a fixed element. This will be described in detail later. Figure 1 In the diagram, a dashed line illustrates a region R that can employ fixed features. The area outside region R is equivalent to a region with variable features.

[0072] [About the Decision Maker Function]

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 2 The decision-maker 30 will be described below. Figure 2 As shown, the determiner 30 is configured to include: a core 31; a parser 32; a receiver platform 33, which can be used as, for example, a state information acquisition unit; and a participant platform 34, which can be used as, for example, a state transition indication unit. Furthermore, in cases where the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 include processing equivalent to the processing performed by the parser 32 and are located inside the processing device 1 (e.g., the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification acquisition unit 20), the parser 32 may not exist inside the determiner 30 or the processing device 1.

[0074] Core 31 can perform the following functions: compare, determine, or specify, for example, so-called entries, hashes, etc., the combination of the state (rL, P) specified by the state transition method information D1 or the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 with the participant 50 and the state (rL, P) of the field received from the receiver 40.

[0075] The parser 32 can perform preprocessing for processing the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 in the core 31. Examples of preprocessing include macro expansion (e.g., expanding the description contained in the state specification information D2 into state transition method information D1, etc.) to allow the determiner 30 to use the information described in the state transition method information D1 or state specification information D2. Furthermore, examples of preprocessing include checking the completeness of the information described in the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 (e.g., descriptions related to the receiver 40 or participant 50). Additionally, as preprocessing, if the state transition method information D1 and / or state specification information D2 are encrypted by an authentication authority, etc., it can also decode them. However, the processing is not limited to the above; it can be appropriately modified according to the operating environment of the determiner 30, the description method of the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2, etc.

[0076] The receiver platform 33 is capable of the following functions: obtaining the state (rL, P) of a field specified by state transition method information D1 or state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 from the receiver 40. The information representing the state (rL, P) of a field sent from the receiver 40 to the receiver platform 33 can be equivalent to state information D3. The state information D3 sent to the receiver platform 33 can be transmitted to the core 31. Furthermore, when multiple receivers 40 are configured, the receiver platform 33 can be structured to transmit state information D3 sent from multiple receivers 40 at any time to the core 31 separately. Alternatively, the receiver platform 33 can also maintain the state information D3 in a queue, etc., and then transmit it to the core 31.

[0077] The receiver platform 33 can control the receiver 40 based on the state transition method information D1 or the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. Specifically, the receiver platform 33 can generate, modify, or delete the receiver 40 based on the description of the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2.

[0078] The participant platform 34 is capable of controlling the participant 50 based on state transition method information D1 or state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2. Control of the participant 50 by the participant platform 34 means, for example, that the participant 50 can be made to act by specifying an action to the participant 50 as an action entity. For example, the participant platform 34 can also have the function of initiating or acting on the participant 50 based on a state transition instruction D4 relative to the participant 50. The participant platform 34 can, for example, start, end, or change the control of the participant 50 based on the description of the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2.

[0079] The aforementioned processing device 1 can be composed of one or more computers. For example, processing device 1 has... Figure 3 The circuit 120 shown is a computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk. The storage medium stores a program for causing the processing device 1 to perform the processing steps described later. The storage medium can also be a retrievable medium such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The memory 122 temporarily stores the program loaded from the storage medium of the memory 123 and the results of the processor 121's operations. The processor 121, in cooperation with the memory 122, executes the program, thereby constituting the aforementioned functional units. The timer 124 measures elapsed time, for example, by counting reference pulses of a fixed period. The input / output port 125 performs signal input and output between controlled objects according to instructions from the processor 121.

[0080] In the case where the processing device 1 is composed of multiple computers, the state transition method acquisition unit 10, the state specification acquisition unit 20, and the determiner 30 can each be implemented by a separate computer. Alternatively, these functional units can each be implemented by a combination of two or more computers. In these cases, the multiple computers can also cooperate to execute the processing steps described later while being communicatively connected to each other. Furthermore, the hardware structure of the processing device 1 is not necessarily limited to configuring each functional unit through a program. For example, each functional module of the processing device 1 can also be composed of dedicated logic circuits or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) that integrate them together. In addition, the structure of the processing device 1 can also be configured as a system such as cloud computing, where, for example, the functional units for operation and display are substantially separated from the functional units for processing.

[0081] Furthermore, the core 31 of the determiner 30 can be, for example, a structure that performs pattern matching such as bit strings in hardware, or it can be implemented by executing an algorithm recorded for pattern matching. As an example, when a computer has hardware or an algorithm that can operate as the determiner 30, and when a program is configured to function as the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification acquisition unit 20, which are linked to the determiner 30, the function of the processing device 1 can be realized. Furthermore, when the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 are specified, a state can be determined by the determiner 30 in the processing device 1.

[0082] [Specify the action specification information for the decision maker]

[0083] As described above, in the processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the decision 30 of the processing apparatus 1 can be specified through state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2. For example, state transition method information D1 contains information that can be classified into two sections, and state specification information D2 contains information that can be classified into three sections. The information contained in state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 can also be collectively referred to as "action specification information". In addition, in action specification information D0, state transition method information D1 is mainly for the developers of the system using processing apparatus 1 to process, and state specification information D2 is mainly for the administrators or users of the system using processing apparatus 1 to process. However, it is not limited to this division.

[0084] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the relationship between action specification information D0, state transition method information D1, state specification information D2, and the five sections (sections one through five). For example... Figure 4 As shown, the state transition method information D1 may also include a first section D91 and a second section D92. Furthermore, the state specification information D2 may also include a third section D93, a fourth section D94, and a fifth section D95. Sections are provided to categorize the information contained in the action specification information D0 according to its type, but they are not necessarily required to be divided into sections. Furthermore, the sections described in this embodiment specify the content of the information to be described, and the method of description is not limited. Moreover, the information contained in the first section D91 to the fifth section D95 can be prepared by humans such as the user of the processing device 1, or it can be an automatically generated structure in the system that causes the processing device 1 to operate.

[0085] Section D91 describes the association between the state information (rL, P) of a field and the participant 50. In Section D91, the type of field state that can be processed by the determiner 30 can be specified by the label (rL). Furthermore, the participant associated with this state information (rL, P) (the receiver and profile (P) that acquires the state of the field corresponding to this state information (rL, P)) can be specified. Additionally, in Section D91, additional information can be added as options, specifying actions to be taken under specified conditions. For example, "Option 1" specifies that if the receiver 40 acquires the exact same field state (rL, P) twice consecutively, regardless of the determination result of the determiner 30, the participant 50 will not be initiated or take any action. Other options include: "Option 2" specifies that the label (rL) specified in Section 1 will be observed regardless of the information in Section 3 (described later); "Option 3" specifies that values ​​with a range will be processed as profiles (P); and so on. Options can be added or changed as appropriate.

[0086] Section D92 describes the participant 50 and the specification of their actions. Although the association between the state information (rL, P) and the participant 50 was described in Section D91, Section D92 can describe the specific actions performed by the participant 50 as described in Section D91. Alternatively, the structure can be as follows: the information recorded in Section D92 can be directly described in Section D91. For example, it can also be described as: combining Section D91 and Section D92 to directly specify the action method of the participant 50.

[0087] The third section D93 describes the designation of a tag (rL) that is observed in the processing device 1 (as determined by the determiner 30). In the third section D93, when a designated tag (rL) is described, a receiver 40 corresponding to that tag (rL) can be generated. Furthermore, a specified state can be designated by specifying a profile (P) for the tag (rL).

[0088] Section 4, D94, describes the specification of the information required to generate the receiver 40 corresponding to the tag (rL). As mentioned above, the receiver 40 can have multiple types (e.g., functions), and the information required to generate the receiver 40 can be specified according to its type (e.g., function). For example, if it is a file receiver, the location of the file receiver (e.g., path) can be specified; if it is a network receiver, the port number for receiving data packets can be specified, etc.

[0089] Section 5, D95, describes information beyond what is specified in Sections 1 through 4, D94, that is required to initiate actions by the determiner 30 and participant 50. For example, it can specify the location and filename of the log file, information expanded by the action specification information D0 macro, etc. It can also specify security-related certification authorities, fields linked to devices, circuits, programs, etc.

[0090] If information corresponding to at least the first section D91, the second section D92, and the fourth section D94 of the first to fifth sections D95 mentioned above exists, then, for example, while keeping the determiner 30 as a fixed element, the receiver 40 and the participant 50 can be treated as variable elements, and the function of the processing device 1 can be added, deleted, or changed without substantially stopping the operation of the processing device 1. Furthermore, although the information corresponding to the third section D93 is usually a necessary structure for the operation of the processing device 1, as described above, when "Option 2," which specifies the tag (rL) as the observation object and is unrelated to the information in the third section, is specified by the first section D91, the information corresponding to the third section D93 can be omitted. Moreover, the fifth section D95 contains supplementary information not included in the other four sections; therefore, in many cases, the processing device 1 can operate even if the information corresponding to the fifth section D95 is not present.

[0091] The information contained in the five sections described above can achieve various functions even if only a portion of it exists. For example, if at least the information corresponding to the first section D91 exists, it can function as a selector, for example, selecting the action specification of the participant corresponding to the state information (rL, P) of the field. Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the second section D92 exists, it can function as a participant library, for example, a collection of participants and their action specifications. Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the third section D93 exists, it can function as a switch, for example, specifying the actually running receiver 40. Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the fourth section D94 exists, it can function as a management unit, for example, enabling the receiver 40 to function as a variable element. Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the fifth section D95 exists, it can function as a management unit, for example, enabling the actions of the determiner 30, receiver 40, and participant 50 to function as variable elements.

[0092] Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the first section D91 and the second section D92 exists, it can function as a processing device that uses the receiver 40 as a fixed element, for example. For instance, if there is no need to change the function of the processing device 1 without substantially stopping its operation, the existence of information corresponding to the first section D91 and the second section D92 allows the processing device to operate. Similarly, if at least the information corresponding to the first section D91 and the third section D93 exists, it can function by specifying the tag (rL) or receiver 40 that actually acquires the status information via a selector, where the selector selects the action specified by the participant corresponding to the status information (rL, P) of the field. Furthermore, if at least the information corresponding to the first section D91 and the fourth section D94 exists, it can function as a variable element via a selector, where the selector selects the action specified by the participant corresponding to the status information (rL, P) of the field. Furthermore, if at least information corresponding to the first section D91 and the fifth section D95 exists, then, for example, the action conditions of the selector can be specified as variable elements through a selector, wherein the selector selects the action specification of the participant corresponding to the state information (rL, P) of the field.

[0093] Furthermore, if information corresponding to at least the first section D91, the second section D92, and the third section D93 exists, then, for example, a processing device that uses the receiver 40 as a fixed element can function by specifying the tag (rL) or the receiver 40 that actually acquires the status information. Additionally, if information corresponding to at least the first section D91, the second section D92, and the fifth section D95 exists, then, for example, a processing device that uses the receiver 40 as a fixed element can function by specifying the operating conditions of the processing device as variable elements. Furthermore, if information corresponding to the first section D91, the second section D92, the third section D93, and the fourth section D94 exists, then, for example, a processing device 1 capable of specifying the receiver 40 used in the processing can be implemented. Furthermore, if information corresponding to the first section D91, the second section D92, the third section D93, and the fifth section D95 exists, then, for example, a processing device 1 with the receiver 40 fixed can be implemented.

[0094] Furthermore, in processing device 1, although the information contained in the above five sections is processed as state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2, they can also be combined into one piece of information, for example, processed as an action specification information D0. Alternatively, the five sections can be processed as separate pieces of information. The five sections can also be further divided for processing. If at least the information corresponding to the first section D91, the second section D92, and the fourth section D94 mentioned above exists, the structure can be as follows: Additions, deletions, and changes to the functions of the processing device 1 that are unrelated to the operation of the determiner 30, such as adding, deleting, or changing functions while the determiner 30 is in operation. Examples include devices containing computer virus response programs running on the cloud, anti-theft systems used by anti-theft companies, disaster prevention systems, medical systems, FX (foreign exchange trading) systems, CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared / Service, Electric) systems for automobiles, operator systems used by mobile phone companies, and information infrastructure containing IoT, etc., requiring continuous operation. Furthermore, the information contained in the first section D91 and the second section D92 can be equivalent to information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transitions corresponding to the comparison results. Furthermore, the information contained in the fourth section D94 can be equivalent to the generation-related information of the state information generation unit used to generate state information from the state-related information of the field, and the receiver 40 is an example of the state information generation unit.

[0095] Furthermore, the information contained in the first section D91 to the fifth section D95 described above can, as explained, affect the generation, modification, and deletion of receiver 40 by the receiver platform 33 of the determiner 30. For example, if the required information is described in the first section D91 and the fourth section D94 (or, depending on the situation, the third section D93 and the fifth section D95), the generation of receiver 40 can be performed by receiver platform 33. Furthermore, if the description in the first section D91 and the fourth section D94 (or, depending on the situation, the third section D93 and the fifth section D95) is modified, the modification of receiver 40 can be performed by receiver platform 33. Furthermore, if the description in the first section D91 and the fourth section D94 (or, depending on the situation, the third section D93 and the fifth section D95) is deleted or modified to an incomplete state, the deletion of receiver 40 can be performed by receiver platform 33.

[0096] Similarly, the information contained in the first section D91 to the fifth section D95 described above can, as explained, influence the start, change, and end of control of participant 50 by the participant platform 34 of the determiner 30. For example, if the required information is described in the second section D92 (or, depending on the situation, the fifth section D95), the start of control over participant 50 (the start of control over a specific participant 50) can be executed by the participant platform 34. Furthermore, if the description in the second section D92 (or, depending on the situation, the fifth section D95) is changed, the change of control over participant 50 (the change of control over a specific participant 50) can be executed by the participant platform 34. Furthermore, if the description in the second section D92 (or, depending on the situation, the fifth section D95) is deleted or changed to an incomplete state, the end of control over participant 50 (the end of control over a specific participant 50) can be executed by the participant platform 34 (e.g., changing to end control or not starting control over participant 50). Furthermore, if the field contains the action entity of participant 50, it can be changed without relying on sections D91 to D95. Sections D91 to D95 can influence the control over the action method of participant 50.

[0097] [Solution]

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 5 The processing method (steps) of the processing device are explained.

[0099] First, in the processing device 1, the preparation of state transition method information D1 in the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the preparation of state specification information D2 in the state specification acquisition unit 20 can be performed (S01). This information can be prepared, for example, by the developer or user of the processing device 1. When performing a process, at least one set of state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 can be prepared. This state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 can also be assigned information for determining relationships (e.g., determining a flag for a process that is an object).

[0100] The state transition method information D1 can be held in the state transition method acquisition unit 10. Furthermore, the state specification information D2 can be held in the state specification acquisition unit 20. As a result, while generating a receiver 40 that can be linked with the determiner 30, a participant 50 corresponding to this process is set (S02). As described above, the receiver 40 and participant 50 can be specified by the state transition method information D1, or by both the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. Therefore, as described above, when preparing the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 (S01), the action specification of the participant 50 can be prepared simultaneously with generating and preparing the required receiver 40 based on this information. The generated receiver 40 can be linked as needed with an object X (sensor, etc.) used to acquire the state (rL, P) of the field. Furthermore, the participant 50 can be linked with a device, etc., used to perform the specified process.

[0101] By following the steps described above, the conditions for the prescribed processing by the processing device 1 can be prepared. When the preparations for processing in the processing device 1 are completed by following the steps described above, the processing using the decision 30 can begin.

[0102] Specifically, the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 can be sent to the determiner 30, where the parser 32 of the determiner 30 preprocesses the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2. Then, the receiver platform 33 can obtain the field state (rL, P) from the receiver 40 (S03). Then, in the core 31 of the determiner 30, a determination can be made based on the field state (rL, P) and the state transition method information D1 or the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 (S04). Then, based on the determination result (e.g., the comparison result), the participant platform 34 can enable the participant 50 to start or perform an action as needed (S05). Thus, the participant 50 can be used to perform an action based on the determination result.

[0103] Furthermore, the series of actions from obtaining the state (rL, P) of the field from the receiver 40 (S03) to the action of the participant 50 based on the determination result (S05) can be actions performed whenever the state (rL, P) of the field is obtained. The receiver 40 can repeatedly perform the following operations, for example, when the state (rL, P) of the field changes, sense the change, and notify the determiner 30 of the state (rL, P). Using the above actions, event-driven processing can be performed. In addition, by combining the above actions, more complex algorithms can of course be executed.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 6 The method (steps) for changing the process when the change processing device 1 is used will be explained.

[0105] As an example of changing the processing content of the processing device 1, a portion of the processing performed prior to this can be changed (including additions and deletions). As described above, the processing performed by the processing device 1 can be defined by the state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 held by the state specification acquisition unit 20. Therefore, the processing content can be changed by changing this information.

[0106] Therefore, in cases where the processing content is changed, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the processing device 1, changes can be made to the state transition method information D1 in the state transition method acquisition unit 10, and / or the state specification information D2 in the state specification acquisition unit 20, etc. (S11). These changes can be implemented, for example, by a user of the processing device 1. The changed information can be either the state transition method information D1 or the state specification information D2, or both. The changed state transition method information D1 can be maintained in the state transition method acquisition unit 10. Furthermore, the changed state specification information D2 can be maintained in the state specification acquisition unit 20. As a result, based on the changed state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2, a receiver 40 capable of interacting with the determiner 30 can be generated, and a participant 50 corresponding to this process can be set (S12).

[0107] As described above, the receiver 40 and participant 50 can be specified through state transition method information D1 or state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2. Therefore, as described above, when the state transition method information D1 and / or state specification information D2 changes (S11), the required receiver 40 and participant 50 can be changed based on the change in this information. The generated receiver 40 can be linked with the object X (sensor, etc.) used to acquire the state (rL, P) of the field as needed. Furthermore, the participant 50 can be linked with the device, etc., used to perform the specified processing.

[0108] By following the steps described above, conditions can be prepared for the modified processing to be performed by the processing device 1. When preparations for performing processing in the processing device 1 are made by following the steps described above, processing using the determiner 30 can begin based on the modified state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2.

[0109] [Starting, stopping, and ending processing device 1]

[0110] As described above, when the state transition method information D1 held by the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification information D2 held by the state specification acquisition unit 20 are prepared, the processing device 1 can start the processing of the determiner 30. The state in which processing can be started using the determiner 30 in the processing device 1 is called the "start" of the processing device 1. Furthermore, the change from a state in the processing device 1 where processing can be performed using the determiner 30 to a state where processing cannot be performed is called the "stop" or "end" of the processing device 1.

[0111] The term "stopped" in processing device 1 refers to a state where, although any functional unit of processing device 1 is still operating, it cannot perform any action required for processing device 1. For example, if the state transition method information D1 is incomplete, even if the decision 30 operates, it will not function, and therefore processing device 1 can be said to be in a stopped state. Furthermore, this stopped state of processing device 1 can also be used to improve the performance of systems constructed from processing device 1, such as security, power saving, and processing speed.

[0112] "Termination" of processing device 1 refers to a state where all functional units of processing device 1 are inactive. For example, if the determination process of the determiner 30 in the state transition method information D1 or state specification information D2 specifies that the participant 50 that terminates the operation of processing device 1 is started or activated, the operation of processing device 1 can be terminated based on the determination result of the determiner 30. Furthermore, processing device 1 can also be terminated by stopping its own operation. For example, if the determiner 30 of processing device 1 operates via software, processing device 1 can be terminated by sending a signal to processing device 1 via the OS or the like to terminate the operation of the determiner 30. Additionally, the operation of processing device 1 can be physically terminated by turning off the power to processing device 1 or the computer that powers it.

[0113] [Examples of variations in device structure]

[0114] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an operation assuming a single determination is made in the determiner 30 of one processing device 1, a structure in which multiple determinations (e.g., comparisons) are made in the determiner 30 of one processing device 1 is also possible. Additionally, two processing devices 1 can be configured and linked together. For example, a structure can be used to change the operation of another processing device 1 based on the action of a participant in one processing device 1.

[0115] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the structure when two decisions are made in the determiner 30 of a processing device 1. Figure 7In the example shown, for instance, the state transition method acquisition unit 10 of the processing device 1 holds two types of state transition method information, D11 and D12. Furthermore, for instance, the state specification acquisition unit 20 holds two types of state specification information, D21 and D22. The state transition method information D11 and the state specification information D21 are a set, used to define the relationship between receiver 41 and participant 51. Furthermore, the state transition method information D12 and the state specification information D22 are a different set from the state transition method information D11 and the state specification information D21, used to define the relationship between receiver 42 and participant 52. In such a processing device 1, two determinations are performed. For example, the determiner 30 of the processing device 1 can perform a determination defined by the state transition method information D11 and the state specification information D21, and also a determination defined by the state transition method information D12 and the state specification information D22. Since the determination content in the determiner 30 is defined by the state transition method information and the state specification information, the determiner 30 only needs to repeat the determination based on these definitions. In this way, a structure can be provided in the processing device 1 that performs multiple determinations.

[0116] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a structure in which a determiner 30 is provided in a processing device 1, it is also possible to provide a structure in which multiple functional units for making determinations are provided according to the type of determination performed in the processing device 1 and the units operate independently.

[0117] Figure 8 The processing device 1X shown is Figure 7 Compared to the processing device 1 shown, the determiner 30 is composed of a determiner management function 38 and a determiner processing function 39. The determiner management function 38 can have functions that, as part of the functions of the determiner 30, specifically, involve linkage with the state transition method acquisition unit 10 and the state specification acquisition unit 20. For example, the determiner management function 38 can include: as part of... Figure 2 The resolver 30 shown functions as a parser 32 that performs preprocessing related to state transition method information D11, D12 and state specification information D21, D22, and as a receiver platform 33 that controls receivers 41, 42 based on this information.

[0118] On the other hand, the decision processing function 39 may also have functions such as initiating participants 51 and 52 based on the decision and its result. For example, the decision processing function 39 may include: the function of a core 31 for making decisions based on state information, and the function of a participant platform 34 for controlling participants. Figure 8As shown, the determination processing function 39 can be configured with a structure associated with a receiver. Therefore, the determination processing function 39 can also be associated with the state transition method information D11, D12 corresponding to each receiver (or, for example, state transition method information D11', D12' containing the corresponding state specification information D21, D22 in addition to the state transition method information D11, D12). Figure 8 In the example shown, two decision processing functions 39a and 39b are illustrated as decision processing function 39. The following states are shown: in decision processing function 39a, receiver 41, defined by state transition method information D11', is associated; in decision processing function 39b, receiver 42, defined by state transition method information D12', is associated. Furthermore, in state transition method information D11', the activation, actions, etc., of participant 51 are defined based on the decision result; in state transition method information D12', the activation, actions, etc., of participant 52 are defined based on the decision result.

[0119] Furthermore, the decision manager management function 38 of the processing device 1X can generate, modify, or delete the decision processing function 39 and the receiver based on a combination of state transition method information and state specification information held by its own device. For example, if the result of the determination based on the state information obtained from the receiver 41 based on the state transition method information D11 and the state specification information D21 specifies that the participant 51 should act, the decision manager management function 38 generates the decision processing function 39a and the receiver 41, thereby enabling the determination based on these state transition method information D11 and state specification information D21. For example, if neither the state transition method information nor the state specification information is held by its own device, assuming that sufficient information for generating the decision processing function 39 and the receiver is not held, the decision processing function 39 and the receiver will not be generated. In this way, in the processing device 1X, based on the decision management function 38, generation, modification, deletion, etc. are performed in the state of the decision processing function 39 being associated with the receiver. Therefore, the receiver, like the decision processing function 39, can be a fixed element, such as a microcontroller structure, or like the processing device 1, a variable element.

[0120] exist Figure 8In the processing apparatus 1X shown, as an example, a structure is illustrated in which the decision management function 38, which manages the decision controller, and the decision processing function 39, which actually performs the decision-making action, are configured separately. Furthermore, in each decision processing function 39, a decision-making action related to the state information obtained by a single receiver is performed. Therefore, the decision performed in each decision processing function 39 is only the decision content associated with one receiver, thus simplifying the decision-making action in the decision processing function 39. As a result, in the processing apparatus 1X, the processing time from obtaining state information from receivers (41, 42) to the state transition action of participant 50 based on the decision result can be shortened. Although in Figure 8 The diagram shows one variation of the installation of the determiner 30, but the installation method of the determiner 30 is not limited to this. Figure 8 The example shown illustrates this. In a system that functions as processing device 1, if it includes functions equivalent to the four functional units—core 31, parser 32, receiver platform 33, and participant platform 34—it can achieve the same functionality as the determiner 30. Therefore, the specific installation method (e.g., structure) can be appropriately modified. Furthermore, if preprocessing is included in the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2, the parser 32 may not need to exist inside the determiner 30 or processing device 1.

[0121] Next, a structural example in which multiple processing units are configured in conjunction will be described. Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the structure when the two processing units 1A and 1B operate in conjunction. Figure 9 The example shown illustrates having with Figure 1 , Figure 7 Two processing devices 1A and 1B have the same structure as the processing device 1 shown. Processing device 1A includes: a state transition method acquisition unit 10A, a state specification acquisition unit 20A, a determiner 30A, a receiver 40A, and a participant 50A. Furthermore, in processing device 1A, its actions are defined by state transition method information D11 and state specification information D21. Processing device 1B includes: a state transition method acquisition unit 10B, a state specification acquisition unit 20B, a determiner 30B, a receiver 40B, and a participant 50B. Furthermore, in processing device 1B, its actions are defined by state transition method information D12 and state specification information D22. At this time, the determination result of the determiner 30A can be a change or update of the state transition method information D12 and / or state specification information D22, which may enable or activate the processing device 1A. Figure 9(The diagram shows the case where the state transition method information D12 and the state designation information D22 are changed). In this case, based on the determination result in the processing device 1A, the state transition method information D12 and / or the state designation information D22 that specifies the operation of the processing device 1B are changed, and the operation of the processing device 1A and the operation of the processing device 1B can be linked. The processing device described in the above embodiment may also be a structure where multiple devices are linked as described above.

[0122] In addition, Figure 9 In the processing device 1A shown, if a change is made to concentrate the state transition method information (D11, D12) and state specification information (D21, D22) into, for example, the state transition method acquisition unit 10A and the state specification acquisition unit 20A, and then the decision 30B is terminated, the processing device 1A can transition to a state that is still in operation. Figure 7 The processing device in the middle. If the operation is performed in reverse, it is of course possible to make Figure 7 The processing device 1 transitions to a state of maintaining operation. Figure 9 The states of processing devices 1A and 1B. In this way, processing device 1 can divide operations and functions into multiple processing devices 1, etc., without stopping its operation, and conversely, it can concentrate the operations and functions of multiple processing devices 1, etc., into one or more processing devices 1.

[0123] Furthermore, when dividing the actions and functions of the processing device 1, by layering its actions and functions from abstract to concrete, it is possible to form and modify so-called libraries and middleware without stopping the entire system.

[0124] Furthermore, multiple processing devices 1 can be made to operate by sharing, copying, etc., any constituent elements and combinations contained in the action specification information D0. For example, in Figure 1 In the processing device 1 shown, the following preparations are made: the state transition method information D1 of the processing device 1 is shared or copied as an action of the participant 50, and the state specification information (D2' here) is modified as needed for the copying of the state specification information D2 of the processing device 1. Furthermore, the processing device 1 designates the following action as the action of the participant 50: the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2' are used as the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 in the processing device to be copied. In this case, the processing device 1 can cause the processing device to be copied to operate as a self-replication. By repeating this action, the processing device 1 can self-reproduce. In addition, the processing device 1 can start and operate new processing devices such as 1 not only using its own action specification information D0, but also using any action specification information D0.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, in the presence of two processing devices 1A and 1B, the linkage between these processing devices 1A and 1B is not limited to the changes or updates of the state transition method information D12 and / or state specification information D22 caused by the action of participant 50A based on the determination result, as described above. For example, processing device 1B may be placed within one participant 50A of processing device 1A. For example, the action of participant 50A based on the determination result can specify the impact on receiver 40B in processing device 1B (e.g., information transmission). In this case, it is possible to achieve a state where, although the action specification information related to the determination of processing device 1B (e.g., state transition method information D12 and state specification information D22 in this example) does not change, the information that is the object of determination can be changed according to the determination result of processing device 1A. Furthermore, in this case, feedforward control from processing device 1A to 1B can be realized. For example, the action of participant 50B based on the determination result can also be specified by specifying the impact on receiver 40A in processing device 1A (e.g., information transmission), placing processing device 1A within one participant 50B of processing device 1B. Feedback control can be achieved by creating a loop structure in the linkage between processing devices 1A and 1B. Furthermore, this loop structure can be implemented using one or more processing devices 1, and other processing devices besides processing device 1 can also be part of the loop. Thus, the linkage method between processing devices 1A and 1B is not particularly limited, and various information processed by processing device 1B can be modified based on the action of participant 50A according to the determination result.

[0126] [Regarding self-referential actions]

[0127] The processing apparatus 1 described in the above embodiment is capable of performing self-referential actions. A self-referential action refers to changing the operation content (e.g., function) of its own apparatus based on the result determined by the determiner 30 within the apparatus. When the aforementioned participant 50 is activated or performs an action, the state of the field can change or transition. There are no particular limitations as long as the factors causing the change in participant 50 exist within the field. Therefore, a structure that changes the state transition method information D1 or state specification information D2, which are changing elements existing within the field, is also possible.

[0128] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates how state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2 are changed by a self-referential action. When the state transition method information D1 and / or state designation information D2 are updated (e.g., added, modified, deleted, etc.) by an action specified by participant 50, the state transition method information D1 and / or state designation information D2 can be updated by initiating or performing an action based on the determination result of decision 30. Figure 10The diagram illustrates the case of updating the state transition method information D1 and the state designation information D2. Updating the state transition method information D1 and the state designation information D2 means that the processing content of the processing device 1 can be changed, or at least a part of the function of the processing device 1 can be altered. In this way, the processing device 1 can also change its own function or operation through self-referential actions.

[0129] The aforementioned self-referential actions can also be applied to... Figure 7 and Figure 9 The structure described in the text. Figure 11 For illustrative purposes only, in Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the state of self-referential actions in the structural example shown. Figure 11 The text explains the relationship with... Figure 7 Similarly, the structure is used when two determinations are made in the determiner 30 of a processing device 1. Here, in Figure 11 The example shown illustrates the case where the action of participant 52, as specified by state transition method information D12 and state specification information D22, is an update of state transition method information D11 and / or state specification information D21 (in... Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the case where the state transition method information D11 and state designation information D21 are updated. In this case, by initiating or performing an action based on the determination result of the determiner 30, the state transition method information D11 and / or state designation information D21 can be updated. Updating the state transition method information D11 and / or state designation information D21 means that a portion of the processing content of the processing device 1 can be changed, or at least a portion of the function of the processing device 1 can be altered.

[0130] also, Figure 12 For illustrative purposes only, in Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the state of self-referential actions in the structural example shown. Figure 12 In, with Figure 9 Similarly, the structure of the two processing devices 1A and 1B operating in conjunction is explained. Here, in Figure 12 The example shown illustrates a scenario where the action of participant 50B, as specified by the state transition method information D12 and state designation information D22 of the processing device 1B, is an update of the state transition method information D11 and / or the state designation information D21 (in...). Figure 12The diagram illustrates the case where the state transition method information D11 and state designation information D21 are updated. In this case, by initiating or performing an action on participant 50B based on the determination result of determiner 30B, the state transition method information D11 and / or state designation information D21 can be updated. Updating the state transition method information D11 and state designation information D21 means that a portion of the processing content of processing device 1A is changed, at least a portion of processing device 1A is altered. Furthermore, when a portion of the function of processing device 1A is changed, a portion of the function of processing device 1B, which can update the state transition method information D12 and / or state designation information D22 through the action of participant 50A, may also be changed. In this way, in processing devices 1A and 1B, the function of the device itself can also be changed through self-referential actions.

[0131] in addition, Figures 10-12 The self-referential action described herein is an example, and is not limited to this step. For example, it is also possible to have a structure that updates only one of the state transition method information and the state specification information through the self-referential action. Furthermore, although the description is omitted in this embodiment, even in a structure where the functions of the determiner 30 are distributed, such as the processing device 1X, the self-referential action can certainly be performed.

[0132] [Regarding the safety of the processing device (security)]

[0133] From a safety point of view, the processing device 1 described above is superior to conventional processing devices. Furthermore, by adding a safety-enhancing structure to the processing device 1, a processing device with further improved safety can be achieved.

[0134] In the processing apparatus 1 described above, as mentioned above, only the determiner 30 is a fixed element. Therefore, potential errors that may exist in conventional processing apparatuses can be largely eliminated. Furthermore, in the processing apparatus 1, only the "minimum information" required for state transitions can be carried and used, thus preventing the entry of algorithms that produce side effects. In addition, since the concept of "user" is not required in the operation of the processing apparatus 1, and account management is not performed, the risk of leakage of accounts or passwords is prevented.

[0135] Furthermore, as described above, information such as the actions specified in the processing device 1 is also present in the "field". Therefore, a structure for monitoring the actions of the processing device 1 can be easily and dynamically constructed. Moreover, the system configured with the processing device 1 can undergo functional changes while maintaining system operation, as described above. Therefore, downtime in the safety system can be prevented.

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 13The following describes the case where the processing device 1 is combined with an authentication and licensing authority. The authentication and licensing authority 70 refers to the functional unit that performs authentication processing, which is used for current or future applications to achieve security. Examples of authentication processing include, but are not limited to, methods such as using serial numbers, passwords, public-key encryption, and combinations thereof. By combining the authentication and licensing authority 70, which is capable of performing these authentication processes, with the processing device 1, the security of the processing performed in the processing device 1 can be improved. Furthermore, although in Figure 13 The illustration shows an example where the certification authority 70 is located inside the processing device 1. However, the certification authority 70 can also be located, for example, in a field, inserted inside the determiner 30, or inserted inside the receiver 40. Thus, the location and number of certification authorities 70 can be appropriately varied.

[0137] Furthermore, the objects of certification and licensing by the certification and licensing authority 70 can include, but are not limited to, the determiner 30, the state transition method information D1, the state specification information D2, and the participant 50 as an action entity. By applying the certification and licensing authority 70 to the processing device 1, inappropriate changes to the processing device 1 by third parties other than developers, administrators, and users can be prevented. Furthermore, the certification and licensing authority can perform certification and licensing of documents accepted by the recipient. In this case, objects such as X can be identified, and inappropriate state information can be distinguished.

[0138] Furthermore, as another method to improve the security of processing device 1, one can exemplify improving the stability and reliability of processing device 1. Methods for improving the stability and reliability of processing device 1 include redundancy and synchronization. For example, sharing the same receiver (e.g., the same file) among different processing devices 1, and setting the output objects of each participant. Then, by comparing the output results from different processing devices 1, the reliability of the processing by processing device 1 can be confirmed. Furthermore, as a synchronization action, for example, when using a network receiver as the receiver, a representative processing device 1 among multiple processing devices 1 can be designated, and the file obtained by the receiver of that processing device 1 can be distributed to the receiver of the required processing device 1.

[0139] Furthermore, as another method to improve the security of processing device 1, it is possible to consider, for example, setting up a separate processing device for immune system actions. As described above, the determination made by processing device 1 can be flexibly set based on state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2. Therefore, it is also possible to have a structure in which processing device 1, which acts as an immune system, is set up, and processing devices such as processing device 1 that perform actions as a system (actions related to the content that the system originally intended to process) are monitored and controlled. If the monitored and controlled object is another processing device 1, it is possible to verify whether the state transition information, state designation information, determiner, and participant are certified and authorized. In this way, by separately setting up a processing device 1 for state monitoring, the security of the system can be improved. In addition, processing devices such as processing device 1 that act as an immune system can perform various actions depending on the type and number of monitored and controlled objects, and can also operate in a hierarchical manner.

[0140] While the methods for improving the security of the processing device 1 or a system containing the processing device 1 have been described above, the security of the system containing the processing device 1 can be further improved by appropriately combining the above methods. Furthermore, the viewpoints regarding the security improvements required in the system containing the processing device 1 can be changed depending on the processing content of the system, the system's operating environment, etc. Therefore, the structure used to improve security can be appropriately modified as needed.

[0141] [Regarding the linkage in situations where multiple processing devices are activated]

[0142] In addition to the structure described above, multiple processing devices 1 can also operate in conjunction. Furthermore, when the number of matters (tasks) that the processing device 1 should handle increases, additional processing devices 1 with the same functions as the processing device 1 can be added to handle the same type of task, or the task can be divided and processed in parallel, thereby increasing the processing speed of the task.

[0143] First, the steps for adding a processing device 1' with the same or similar functions as processing device 1 will be described. First, preparations are made as follows: preparation of state transition method information D1' and state designation information D2' used in the added processing device 1'. Specifically, the state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2 used by processing device 1 are prepared for copying. Furthermore, if the device has a different function than processing device 1, the state transition method information D1' and state designation information D2' can be prepared by modifying (including adding and deleting) at least one of the state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2. Additionally, although details will be described later, the structure of state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2 can be shared among multiple processing devices. Therefore, it is possible to prepare only at least one of the state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2 for the new processing device 1', or to share both the state transition method information D1 and state designation information D2.

[0144] Next, the determiner 30 used in the additional processing device 1' is specified. Since each processing device 1 uses a different determiner 30, a determiner 30' corresponding to the additional processing device 1' can be specified. By performing the above steps, the additional determiner 30', the state transition method information D1' used in the determination process within the determiner 30', and the state specification information D2' are determined, thus enabling the new processing device 1' to operate. Furthermore, the preparation of the state transition method information D1' and the state specification information D2', and the specification of the determiner 30', can be performed in any order.

[0145] Furthermore, the start time of the above-described steps for adding processing device 1' can be specified by a person or a device (mechanical, electrical, program, etc.). In this case, the above-described steps can be started by instructing a computer or the like to perform the processing required for adding processing device 1' by the person or device. Alternatively, the start of the processing can be specified in the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 used by the decision maker 30 of processing device 1. As an example of such a structure, it can also be specified that, based on the decision result in the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 used by the decision maker 30, the participant adding processing device 1' is initiated or activated.

[0146] Next, the structure of a functional unit shared by multiple processing devices 1 will be described. As described above, each processing device 1 performs the determination operation of the determiner 30 based on the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. The state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 used at this time do not need to be specified separately for each processing device 1 (determiner 30). Therefore, a portion of the functionality other than the determiner 30 can be shared.

[0147] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 Specific structural examples will be explained. Figure 14 The diagram illustrates a structure where three processing devices 1C to 1E, which are multiple processing devices, use a common state transition method information D11. Each of the processing devices 1C to 1E individually maintains a decision maker 30C to 30E, a state designation acquisition unit 20C to 20E, and state designation information D23, D24, and D25. However, the processing devices 1C to 1E share a common state transition method acquisition unit 10, which designates the state transition method information D11 in each of the processing devices 1C to 1E. With this structure, the decision maker 30C of the processing device 1C performs a decision based on the state transition method information D11 and the state designation information D23; the decision maker 30D of the processing device 1D performs a decision based on the state transition method information D11 and the state designation information D24; and the decision maker 30E of the processing device 1E performs a decision based on the state transition method information D11 and the state designation information D25. In addition, in the processing devices 1C to 1E, multiple state transition method information D11 acquired in the state transition method acquisition unit 10 may be shared.

[0148] When the state transition method information D11 is shared among the processing devices 1C to 1E, the shared state transition method information D11 records information on the degree to which all three processing devices 1C to 1E can be used. In this case, the state transition method information D11 may also include information on which some processing devices cannot be used.

[0149] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, when there is shared state transition method information or shared state specification information, the decision-maker 30C to 30E in each processing device determines whether the shared participant 50 is activated or takes action. As an example, the structure could also be as follows: Figure 14 As shown, the result of the determination by the determiners 30C to 30E is that at least one of the first participant 50C and the second participant 50D, which are participants of two different types, initiates or performs an action. In the case of a shared state transition method or a state specification method, the same action (the participant's action) can be specified as the result of the determination. In this case, as... Figure 14As shown, sometimes there are 50 participants. Alternatively, even if both state transition information and state specification method information are not shared, as a result of the decision, participants 50 may be shared across multiple processing devices 1. Furthermore, frequently used participants may be shared as a library across multiple processing devices 1.

[0150] exist Figure 15 The diagram illustrates a structure in which a common receiver is used in three processing devices 1F-1H, which are multiple processing devices. Each of the processing devices 1F-1H individually maintains a decision unit 30F-30H, a state transition method acquisition unit 10F-10H, a state designation acquisition unit 20F-20H, state transition method information D16, D17, D18, and state designation information D26, D27, D28. When the use of the same receiver is specified in the state transition method information D16-D18 and the state designation information D26-D28, the processing devices 1F-1H can have a structure with a shared receiver. Figure 15 In the example shown, receivers 43 through 46 are depicted as four receivers. Furthermore, in... Figure 15 In the example shown, the first receiver 43 is shared in processing devices 1F and 1H, and the second receiver 44 and the third receiver 45 are shared in processing devices 1F to 1H. Furthermore, the fourth receiver 46 is used only by processing device 1H. In this way, multiple processing devices can be configured to share a single receiver.

[0151] In addition, regarding Figure 15 The state transition method acquisition units 10F to 10H and state transition method information D16, D17, and D18 shown can also be used with... Figure 14 The example shown is also common to multiple processing devices 1.

[0152] In addition, Figure 15 In the example shown, for instance, the first receiver 43 transforms the information obtained from object X (not shown) into state information (rL, P) as needed and provides it to the determiner 30F of the processing device 1F. In this case, if the state information obtained by the first receiver 43 is determined in the processing devices 1F and 1H, a structure in which the state information obtained by the first receiver 43 is alternately sent to the processing devices 1F and 1H is also possible.

[0153] Alternatively, another approach could be a structure where a receiver provides status information generated from the acquired information to multiple interconnected processing devices (determiners). In this case, the decision-makers in the multiple processing devices can make decisions based on the same status information. Similarly, when multiple processing devices share a receiver, the processing method for the information acquired by the receiver can be predetermined. Furthermore, for example... Figure 15 As shown, the aforementioned operation can also be implemented in a structure where multiple receivers are shared among multiple processing devices. Furthermore, the shared methods of the various functional units described above can be appropriately combined to enable multiple processing devices 1 to operate.

[0154] [Transaction processing related to the processing unit]

[0155] A system capable of performing transaction processing can be realized by comprising multiple processing units 1. Figure 16 In this example, as a transaction processing example, the structure of a processing device used to implement bank remittance processing will be described.

[0156] Figure 16 This illustrates an example of the structure of a processing unit in a bank's remittance management system. Figure 16 The system shown can be configured to include head office function B1, branch function B2, and window function B3. Head office function B1 can be a component related to interbank / branch transaction functions. Branch function B2 can be a component related to transactions of goods managed at each branch. Multiple branch functions B2 can be set depending on the number of branches. Furthermore, window function B3 can be a component that functions as a window for customers to conduct transactions, such as an ATM, online banking interface, or bank window. Additionally, Figure 16 In the diagram, solid lines represent an example of control relationships (start, stop, etc.) between processing devices. Furthermore, dashed lines represent an example of sending (to other banks), and dotted lines represent an example of a path for receiving (from other banks).

[0157] The head office function B1 may include a processing device (bank) B11 and a processing device (session) B12. The processing device B11 may be capable of processing all transactions between branches or between banks, or managing transactions, etc. Furthermore, the processing device B12, like the processing device (session) B23 set up in the branch function B2 described later, may be activated or operated only when the processing of remittances, etc., occurs.

[0158] In branch function B2, there may be a processing device (for goods, such as ordinary deposits or time deposits) B21, a processing device (for bank account management) B22, a processing device (for sessions) B23, and a processing device (for bank accounts) B24. Processing device B21 can manage each bank's goods, process all transactions, or manage other transactions. Furthermore, processing device B22 can manage the bank accounts it manages. Processing device B24 can initiate or perform actions on each bank account and can handle all transactions under that account, such as deposit and withdrawal management similar to passbooks. Processing device B24 can be initiated or terminated by the processing device (for customers) B32, which is included later in window function B3. As an example, two processing devices B24 are shown, which can be initiated by each bank account.

[0159] The window function B3 may include a processing device (for customer management) B31 and a processing device (for customers) B32. The processing device B31, for example, can manage customer IDs. The processing device B31 may also manage the activation and deactivation of the processing device B32 corresponding to the customer ID. Furthermore, the processing device B32 can function as a window for customers to conduct financial transactions. The processing device B32 may manage customer personal information and bank account numbers. Additionally, the processing device B32 can authorize the processing device (for bank account management) B22 to open and close bank accounts. Furthermore, when a customer conducts a transaction, the processing device B32 may also activate and deactivate bank account-related processing devices such as B24 as needed.

[0160] exist Figure 16 Of the processing units shown, processing units B11, B21, B22, and B31 can always be activated and operational. Furthermore, processing unit B24 can be activated for each bank account when a specific bank account-related transaction is being performed. Additionally, processing unit B32 can be activated for each customer when a transaction begins. Session-related processing units B12 and B23 can be activated during transaction-related sessions.

[0161] Session-related processing devices B12 and B23, as feature functions for transaction processing, can generate the paths required for transaction communication for each transaction. Furthermore, processing devices B12 and B23 can manage the actual processing and transmission of information. Moreover, when sending and receiving information (session) via processing devices B12 and B23, upon activating these devices, they can generate, for example, keys to determine the recipients of the information or to hide the communication path, performing shared processing on both the sending and receiving sides. Additionally, processing device B12 can be started and terminated via processing device B11. Furthermore, processing device B23 can be started and terminated via processing device B21. As an example, processing devices B11 and B21, which manage the activation and termination of session-related processing devices B12 and B23, can control the generation of session-related keys simultaneously with controlling the activation and termination of the session-related processing devices. Furthermore, processing devices B11 and B21 can receive information that should be sent by session-related processing devices (e.g., processing devices B12 and B23), such as instructions to send information about the end of transmission or processing.

[0162] An example of the operation of each processing device in a remittance-related processing scenario using a system as described above will be explained. Here, consider a customer, for example, making a remittance from one bank account to another. In this case, upon sensing the customer's interaction with, for example, the ATM interface, processing device B31 activates processing device B32. Based on the customer's interaction with the interface, processing device B32 activates processing device B24 corresponding to the bank account making the payment. At this time, the aforementioned operation is performed via processing device B22. Furthermore, by activating these processing devices B32 and B24 based on the customer's interaction, a remittance-related session is set up for processing device B21 (corresponding to processing device B23), and processing device B23 is activated. As a result, a session is established between branch function B2 and head office function B1, enabling the transmission of remittance-related information to head office function B1. In head office function B1, based on the information transmitted by processing device B23, processing device B12 corresponding to the session with another bank is activated as needed. Through processing device B12, a session is established between other banks, enabling the transmission and reception of interbank remittance-related information. On the other bank side, a processing unit similar to the aforementioned processing unit can be used to increase the remittance amount to the receiving bank account. Furthermore, when remittance processing is conducted within the same bank or branch, remittance-related processing can be performed without setting up a session between the head office function B1 and the branch function B2.

[0163] Furthermore, in the system described above, if the transmission of session information is performed, for example, using a two-phase commit method, then the session-related processing units B12 and B23 terminate. Additionally, since the key used in the session is also discarded, repeated use of the same session is prevented.

[0164] Furthermore, although the above description provides an example of a remittance-related processing using the system, it is also possible to handle transfers from external banks to specific bank accounts by performing the opposite actions. For example, when processing transfers with other banks, processing unit B12' corresponding to the session with the other bank is activated upon request from the other bank. A session is established between the processing unit B12' and the other bank, enabling the sending and receiving of remittance-related information between banks. Next, in processing unit B12', a remittance receiving-related session (corresponding to processing unit B23') is set up for processing unit B21, and processing unit B23' is activated. As a result, a session is established between branch function B2 and head office function B1, allowing remittance receiving-related information to be sent from head office function B1 to branch function B2. Then, processing unit B23' activates processing unit B24 corresponding to the bank account to which the remittance is received. At this time, the aforementioned actions are performed via processing unit B22. Furthermore, when processing device B31 senses a customer interacting with an interface such as an ATM or online banking device, processing device B32 is activated. While the customer is interacting with the interface, processing device B32 notifies the customer that the remittance-related information received by processing device B24 has been updated. As a result, the customer can understand the amount of the remittance and its details. Also, the above processing is just one example, and the configuration of the processing device is not limited to the structural example described above.

[0165] In the system described above, transaction processing is achieved by using processing devices B12 and B23 corresponding to the session. Transaction processing requires, for example, properties such as "atomicity," "consistency," "isolation," and "durability."

[0166] Atomicity refers to the property that guarantees either all or none of the tasks involved in an operation will be executed. For example, consider the scenario of transferring 10,000 yen from bank account A to bank account B. There are two operations: "subtracting 10,000 yen from the balance of bank account A" and "increasing 10,000 yen from the balance of bank account B." Guaranteeing atomicity means that either of these operations will be executed completely or not at all.

[0167] Furthermore, consistency refers to ensuring that pre-assigned consistency is met at the beginning and end of an operation. For example, when remitting money from bank account A, it means that a remittance cannot be made that would result in a negative balance in A's bank account before and after the transaction.

[0168] Furthermore, isolation refers to the fact that the process of an operation is hidden from other operations. For example, in the case of a remittance between bank accounts, although there exists an internal state of "subtracted from bank account A but not added to bank account B", only the state before and after the remittance can be confirmed from the outside.

[0169] In addition, durability means that the operation is persistent and the result will not be lost when the user receives a notification of the operation's completion.

[0170] In the system described above, by setting up an independent session for each transaction, isolation can be ensured. Furthermore, since the structure allows for communication between functions through separate sessions, consistency of each session can be ensured. Moreover, by associating multiple consistent sessions, unleashing the session chain, and communicating through them (e.g., two-phase commit), consistency can be ensured.

[0171] Furthermore, in the system described above, a session is discarded once it can be confirmed that the processing specified in each session has been completed. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the transaction can be cancelled, thus ensuring atomicity. Moreover, the system prevents unintentional duplication of the same session, thus ensuring durability. In this way, the system described above achieves the performance required for transaction processing. The system configured with the combined processing unit 1 can also be applied to transaction processing. Additionally, to further reliably ensure consistency and atomicity, processing units for verifying whether information in each session has been accurately sent and received can be added to the system, for example.

[0172] [About Workflow]

[0173] For example, by using state transition method information D1, the conditions for executing a job of the workflow control object (e.g., start, interruption, error state, end, re-execution, etc.) are specified in the first section D91, and the action methods for executing the job (e.g., start, interruption, error avoidance, re-execution, end, start of the next job, etc.) are specified in the second section D92, etc. For example, by associating these processes with the number of jobs of the workflow control object, so-called workflow processing can be performed.

[0174] [About Artificial Intelligence]

[0175] By using the processing device 1, the algorithm processing included in so-called artificial intelligence can be modified or updated without stopping its processing operation. In a so-called neural network, for example, the function and action of neurons can be specified using action specification information D0, allowing the processing device 1 to be started, act, terminated, or deleted as a new neuron, or the action of a specific neuron containing itself can be changed. Furthermore, the combination of neurons can be achieved, for example, by appropriately combining receiver 40 and participant 50. Moreover, since receiver 40 and participant 50 can be used as variable elements in the processing device 1, the combination of neurons can be modified, including its function and topology, without stopping the operation of the processing device 1. In this way, by changing or modifying the algorithm for preprocessing learning data in artificial intelligence, the neural network performing machine learning, etc., without stopping the operation of artificial intelligence, the function, capability, and capacity of the artificial intelligence in the action can be changed. Furthermore, by constructing a neural network using the processing device 1, the action result of artificial intelligence (e.g., learning outcome) can be stored in the action specification information D0. Furthermore, by segmenting the action specification information D0 of the processing device 1 constituting a neural network according to the level of abstraction as described above, it is possible to perform analyses such as visualization, interpretation, understanding, and application of the action results of artificial intelligence.

[0176] [Other Application Examples]

[0177] Processing device 1 can specify the actual processing of so-called BRMS (Business Rule Management System) and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) through action specification information D0. Furthermore, processing device 1 does not need to generate devices or programs that actually perform functional processing using BRMS or RPA.

[0178] In processing device 1, changes to the functions and operations of processing device 1 can be achieved by adding, modifying, or deleting only the necessary parts, thus eliminating the need for software version management. Furthermore, for example, in cases involving the observation, control, or simulation of uncertain objects, processing device 1 can perform substantial processing without ceasing its operations. These uncertain objects, like an ecosystem, have constituent elements (e.g., organisms, climate, etc.) that change according to circumstances (e.g., the removal of constituent elements due to migration or extinction, or the formation of new constituent elements by migration from other places). In this case, processing device 1 can function as a substantial engine for coupled computing. Additionally, as an ecosystem, scenarios such as the interconnection of multiple cloud computing systems can be considered.

[0179] <Includes detailed instructions on the specific operation of the processing device>

[0180] The description of the functional units related to the processing device 1 described above includes many conceptual parts. Therefore, in the following embodiment, we will describe the case where the processing device 1 is used to control the operation of the air conditioner. In an air conditioner, sensors measure the indoor temperature, etc., and based on the results, various parts are activated to bring the indoor temperature to a predetermined range (set temperature). In this case, while explaining how each functional unit of the processing device 1 operates, we will further explain the structure of the processing device 1. Furthermore, the processing object of the processing device 1 is certainly not limited to air conditioners.

[0181] [About the field]

[0182] The fields that are processed by processing device 1 will be further explained. A field can be considered as the state of a real-world entity, as described above. Furthermore, the state of a field can be described using labels and briefs. For example, when considering the operation of an air conditioner controlled by processing device 1, the room temperature (rL: temperature, P: *℃), humidity (rL: humidity, P: *%), and the temperature of the outside air where the outdoor unit is located (rL: outside air temperature, P: *℃), etc., can be processed as the state of fields.

[0183] Furthermore, the state transition method acquisition unit 10, the state designation acquisition unit 20, the receiver 40, and the participant 50 constituting the processing device 1 can also be set in this field. Moreover, it can be said that information processed by these respective units also exists in this field. Therefore, these states can also be described using labels and briefs. For example, it can be described as: State transition method acquisition unit 10 (rL: state transition method acquisition unit, P: state transition method acquisition unit in processing device 1), State transition method information D1 (rL: state transition method information, P: state transition method information used in processing device 1).

[0184] [Types of elements of the processing device]

[0185] The types of elements of each functional unit of the processing device 1 will be explained. In this embodiment, each functional unit (the program used to perform its function) that performs the desired processing can be classified as either a fixed element or a variable element. Furthermore, the information processed by the processing device 1 can also be classified as either a fixed element or a variable element.

[0186] A fixed element can refer to an element whose operation needs to be changed when its content is modified. For example, a previously used program is a fixed element. For instance, consider adding a new part to a predetermined program for controlling the operation of an air conditioner, which detects the outside air temperature and controls based on that result. In this case, after making the following modification—adding a record related to control taking the outside air temperature into the program—it is necessary to temporarily stop processing based on the original program written in the air conditioner, and then start processing based on the modified program after replacing it. In this way, elements that require temporary suspension of program operation when the program is modified, in order to reflect that modification, are sometimes referred to as fixed elements in this embodiment.

[0187] On the other hand, a variable element can refer to an element that can be changed without stopping the action, even if the content of the variable element of the action is changed. For example, the state (rL, P) of a field can be processed arbitrarily, so it can be considered a variable element. For example, the state transition method acquisition unit 10, the state specification acquisition unit 20, the receiver 40, and the participant 50 constituting the processing device 1 can each be described as the state of a field, so they can be considered variable elements. Furthermore, the profile (P) included in the state (rL, P) can change, so it is sometimes a variable element.

[0188] Furthermore, the decision maker 30 in each part of the processing device 1 can be a fixed element. As mentioned above, most of the processing device 1 can be processed as variable elements, but the decision maker 30 can also be a fixed element. In the processing device 1, by minimizing the proportion of fixed elements in the device's components, a structure is achieved that does not stop processing even when the processing content is changed. Additionally, it can be assumed that if the decision maker 30 itself is changed, the operation of the processing device 1 needs to be stopped. However, in the processing device 1, the decision maker 30 compares the state specification information D2 with the state of the field obtained by the receiver 40, and based on the result, only the participant 50 specified by the state transition method information D1 and / or the state specification information D2 is activated or activated. In this way, since the decision maker 30 does not perform a decision but only specifies that processing should be performed based on its result, a structure is formed where the problem of changing the decision maker 30 itself is difficult to arise. This aspect differs from the procedures used in conventional air conditioning control.

[0189] [The difference between control based on previous programs and control based on processing devices]

[0190] Next, for the case of temperature control via air conditioning, a comparison will be made between control using conventional procedures and control using the processing device described in this embodiment.

[0191] First, this section explains how the air conditioner detects the temperature and humidity of the indoor space and adjusts its operation based on the results. Table 1 uses a table format to represent the control using a conventional procedure. Additionally, "in a field" can refer to a state outside the program or outside the decision-maker.

[0192] [Table 1]

[0193]

[0194] Table 1 represents each process defined by the conventional procedure as a step, showing the state before input, the action defined by the algorithm / logic, and the state after the action in each step. For example, step 1 represents: acquiring information about the state existing in the field (rL: temperature, P: *℃), generating a profile (hot, moderate, cold) based on the difference between the acquired temperature and the set temperature, and outputting the state after the action (pL: virtual intermediate state (temperature difference), P: (either hot, moderate, or cold)). This state after the action is used as the state before input in step 3. In the conventional procedure, in steps 1 and 2, a temperature-related virtual intermediate state (here: hot, moderate, cold) and a humidity-related virtual intermediate state (here: muggy, moderate, dry) are generated based on temperature and humidity. Furthermore, in steps 3 and 4, a motor power-related virtual intermediate state (Pw watt) is generated based on these two virtual intermediate states. Then, in step 5, the motor power based on the motor power-related virtual intermediate state (Pw watt) is returned to the motor in the field, causing the motor to operate. In this way, in previous programs, virtual intermediate states were generated within the program and associated with the processing of subsequent steps.

[0195] Furthermore, an intermediate state refers to the state between the execution of control based on temperature and humidity information to activate the air conditioner. Parameters used to determine the air conditioner's operation, such as temperature difference and humidity difference, can be defined as intermediate states. Additionally, a virtual intermediate state refers to a convenience intermediate state existing within the program area, independent of the field's state. Specifically, after defining the so-called virtual intermediate state as the intermediate state required for program processing, it is used for processing. In a virtual intermediate state, pL refers to the convenience label in the virtual state, which can be equivalent to the label (rL) in the field's state. As pL, variable names and register names can be used. Furthermore, since this virtual intermediate state exists within the program area, the convenience label pL cannot be changed in practice unless the program is modified. Therefore, virtual intermediate states in conventional programs can also be considered fixed elements. However, in virtual states (pL, p) such as virtual intermediate states, the profile (P) can also be considered a variable element. In the program, the profile (P) is also equivalent to a variable, so it can be said to be variable and can be processed as a variable element. Additionally, in order to reflect virtual states that exist within the program area, such as virtual intermediate states, in the fields, for example, any operation such as exporting from a file, sending to the network, exporting from a database, or operating a device.

[0196] Next, referring to Table 2, the operation of the processing device 1 of this embodiment when performing the same processing as described above will be explained.

[0197] [Table 2]

[0198]

[0199] Steps 1 to 5 shown in Table 2 correspond to steps 1 to 5 in Table 1. In Table 2, corresponding to the processing of the processing device 1, the table represents the set of states (tags, profiles) received by the receiver 40 (e.g., state-related information provided by the determiner 30), the actions of the determiner 30, the internal actions of the participant 50 based on the determination result of the determiner 30 (actions performed by the participant 50), and the set of states (tags, profiles) acted upon by the participant 50.

[0200] As shown in Table 2, the processes performed by the processing device 1 are basically similar to conventional procedures. However, the result of performing each step is that although the intermediate output state is the parameters used in the processing, it differs from a virtual state, which indicates and shows the state existing in fields such as files and databases, and exists only within the program. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the state existing in a field can also be used as a variable element.

[0201] Table 2 shows the processes performed by processing device 1. In all steps 1 to 5, a transition occurs from a state (rL, P) that is a variable element to a state (rL, P), resulting in the state of the field being returned as the result of the processing in each step. On the other hand, in the conventional procedure shown in Table 1, step 1 causes a transition from a state (rL, P) that is a variable element to a virtual intermediate state (pL, P) that is a fixed element. Furthermore, in steps 2 to 4, a transition occurs from a virtual intermediate state (pL, P) that is a fixed element to another virtual intermediate state (pL, P). Then, in step 5, a transition occurs from a virtual intermediate state (pL, P) that is a fixed element to a state (rL, P) that is a variable element, and the result is returned to the field. In this way, in the conventional procedure, the stages of a series of processes (steps 1 to 5) can be completed within the program. Therefore, it can be considered that if a part of the processing is changed, the entire program needs to be replaced.

[0202] Furthermore, in the conventional procedures shown in Table 1, the order of processing is usually specified. For example, in the example shown in Table 1, steps 1 to 5 are specified to be performed sequentially within the procedure. From this perspective, the procedure can be considered a fixed element. On the other hand, in steps 1 to 5 of the processing device 1 shown in Table 2, the term "step" is conveniently listed in correspondence with Table 1, but there is no element specifying the order of processing. Moreover, each step can be performed randomly based on the state (rL, P) at which the receiver 40 receives the input. In this way, from the viewpoint of the order of processing of each step when the desired processing is performed by the processing device 1, the processing performed by the processing device 1 can also be considered a variable element.

[0203] [Differences between control and processing device control using previous procedures when control is changed]

[0204] Next, we will explain the case where the steps for controlling the air conditioner based on the temperature and humidity shown in Tables 1 and 2 are modified. Here, we will explain the case where the control is modified to consider the outside air temperature in addition to temperature and humidity.

[0205] First, Table 3 shows the previous procedure shown in Table 1, with the addition of control over the external air temperature.

[0206] [Table 3]

[0207]

[0208] In Table 3, steps 3 and 6 are added compared to Table 1, and actions considering a virtual intermediate state (here, the outside air temperature) are performed in steps 4 and 5. Next, Table 4 shows the change procedure when the control shown in Table 1 is changed to the control shown in Table 3. In addition, although an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature is sometimes added, this is not a change associated with the procedure and is therefore omitted from the explanation.

[0209] [Table 4]

[0210]

[0211] In the example shown in Table 4, in steps 1-6, the original program and sensors are stopped, and in steps 7 and 8, the original program is deleted. Furthermore, in steps 9 and 10, a new program is read and started. Then, in steps 11-13, each sensor is started, and the processing is completed in step 14. At this point, in the modified program shown in Table 4, it can be considered that the virtual intermediate state existing within the program area is processed in steps 1-13. As mentioned above, the virtual intermediate state can be considered a fixed element, and the program's operation needs to be stopped to change it. Therefore, it can be said that the modified program that processes the virtual intermediate state is also a fixed element.

[0212] Next, the changes to the processing content of processing device 1 will be explained. First, Table 5 shows the processing steps of processing device 1 when the external air temperature control is added to the processing shown in Table 2.

[0213] [Table 5]

[0214]

[0215] In Table 5, steps 3 and 6 are added compared to Table 2, and in steps 4 and 5, actions considering the intermediate state (in this case, the outside air temperature) are performed. Next, Table 6 shows the processing steps in processing device 1 when the control shown in Table 2 is changed to the control shown in Table 5. Additionally, although an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature is sometimes added, this is not a change related to the program and is therefore omitted from the description. In Table 6, for comparison with the conventional program, the processing in processing device 1 is indicated where each step corresponds to the conventional program (Table 4). In Table 6, cells marked with "-" outside the steps indicate that the processing corresponding to the steps of the conventional program was not performed in processing device 1.

[0216] [Table 6]

[0217]

[0218] As shown in Table 6, in the processing device 1, steps 2 to 8 and steps 10 to 12 of the conventional procedure are not required when the control content is changed. Furthermore, regarding steps 1 and 9, by setting an intermediate state in the field, the processing content can be observed and changed from the outside.

[0219] Steps 2-8 involve processing related to stopping and deleting the program's actions before the change. Although the previous program was reconfigurable, since the program itself is a fixed element, it can be assumed that the program's actions need to be stopped for a change to be made. In contrast, the processing device 1 can have the following structure: the state transition method information D1, state specification information D2, and participant 50 are stored in fields, separated from the determiner 30, which is a fixed element. Therefore, it can be assumed that the state transition method information D1, state specification information D2, and participant 50 can be changed while the determiner 30 continues to operate based on the program before the change.

[0220] Furthermore, steps 10 to 12 are related to the startup of the modified program. As described above, the previous program was modified in a state where the program's operation was temporarily suspended, so it can be said that an operation is needed to start the modified program. On the other hand, in the processing device 1, in step 9, the state of the processing device 1 can be updated simply by preparing the state transition method information D1, the state specification information D2, and the participant 50 specified by the state transition method information D1, which are required with the change of the operation content. Therefore, for example, by resetting the state transition method information D1, the state specification information D2 (and the participant 50), the required receiver 40 is prepared, and a state that can start the modified processing is formed. Furthermore, as described above, the determiner 30 that makes a determination based on the state of the fields obtained in the receiver 40 does not stop itself, so it is easy to transition to the modified processing. In addition, since the external air temperature sensor itself needs to be re-driven, it can be assumed that step 13 needs to be set up in the same way as the previous program.

[0221] As such, when comparing the conventional procedure with the processing apparatus described in this embodiment, the steps are significantly different, especially when the processing content is changed, depending on the size of the area forming the fixed elements.

[0222] In conventional programs, the parts that need to be changed (such as processing based on information obtained from an external air temperature sensor) can be considered fixed within the program. For example, after obtaining external air temperature information, the processing based on that information is recorded within the program. Therefore, in conventional programs, to dynamically change functionality, the change is assumed in advance, and the program associated with that function is recorded. When the change is made, the control content is modified. However, if the change cannot be assumed in advance, it cannot be recorded in the program beforehand. Therefore, it can be assumed that once the program is prepared, it needs to be temporarily stopped to add any new functionality. In conventional programs, although the dynamic loading and unloading of software modules are programmed as functions, if you want to use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that are not prepared in the main program, you still need to replace the program.

[0223] In contrast, in the processing apparatus described in this embodiment, the state transition method information D1, state specification information D2, and participant 50, which can be considered the main parts of a conventional program, are present in the fields. Therefore, changes can be applied without stopping the operation of the determiner 30, which is a fixed element. Furthermore, the changes to the processing apparatus 1 described in this embodiment (the rewriting of the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2) do not refer to the release of functions pre-programmed into the processing apparatus 1. The purpose is to add new functions after the operation of the processing apparatus 1 has started.

[0224] <Function>

[0225] As explained above, the processing device 1 includes a determiner 30 that compares state information, which is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the state transition-related actions corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, processing associated with the determiner is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the state transition-related actions corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, can be changed independently of the operation of the determiner 30. Furthermore, the information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the state transition-related actions corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, are included in the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, processing associated with the determiner 30 is performed based on the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2. Furthermore, the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 can be changed regardless of the action of the decision 30.

[0226] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention involves a processing method that compares state information obtained from a field using a determiner 30. The state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, processing associated with the determiner 30 is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the field's state-related information, can be changed independently of the actions of the determiner 30.

[0227] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides a processing procedure for enabling a computer to function as a processing device to perform a judgment function for comparing state information, wherein the state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the judgment function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, processing associated with the judgment function is performed. The information specifying the comparison content in the judgment function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, can be changed independently of the actions of the judgment function.

[0228] According to the processing apparatus 1, processing method, and processing program described above, the comparison content in the determiner 30, the information specifying the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the generation-related information of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the fields can be changed independently of the operation of the determiner 30. In the above embodiment, the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2 containing this information can be changed independently of the operation of the determiner 30. Therefore, compared with conventional procedures, even if the conditions are changed or additional functions are added, the operation of the determiner 30 can be changed without stopping the above-mentioned information contained in the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2, which can improve convenience. Furthermore, according to the processing apparatus 1, processing method, and processing program described above, not only is convenience improved, but reliability or security can also be improved. This is as described above.

[0229] The determiner 30 can be configured such that it includes a receiver platform 33, which serves as a state information acquisition unit for acquiring state information, and a participant platform 34, which serves as a state transition indication unit for indicating state transitions corresponding to comparison results. By configuring the determiner 30 to include a state information acquisition unit for acquiring state information and a state transition indication unit for indicating state transitions corresponding to comparison results, the processing can be flexibly modified even if the processing based on the action content of the determiner 30 or the comparison results is changed by modifying the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2.

[0230] The information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as the generation-related information of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field (in the above embodiment, state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 are shown as information containing this information) are variable elements existing in the field, while the determiner is a fixed element separate from the field. By configuring the information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as the generation-related information of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, as variable elements, and configuring the determiner as a fixed element, it is possible to flexibly change the processing even if the content being processed in the processing device changes, without completely stopping the processing in the processing device.

[0231] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 of another aspect of the present invention includes a determiner 30 for comparing state information, which is state-related information obtained from a field. The state information includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0232] According to the processing apparatus described above, the state information compared in the determiner 30 is configured to include: a label related to the nature of the state, and a brief indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is. With this structure, when comparing in the determiner 30, errors in obtaining the information being compared can be prevented, enabling accurate comparison. Therefore, even if the processing based on the actions in the comparator or the comparison result is changed, the processing can be flexibly modified, improving convenience, reliability, and security.

[0233] Here, processing associated with the determiner can be performed based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as generation-related information of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the fields (in the above embodiment, this information is represented as state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2). Since the determination-related processing of the determiner 30 is specified based on this information, compared with conventional procedures, changes can be made without changing the determiner itself when conditions are changed or functions are added, thereby improving the convenience, reliability, and security of the device.

[0234] Furthermore, another embodiment of the processing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a determiner 30 that compares state information obtained from a field. The state information is state-related information obtained from a field. The apparatus performs processing associated with the determiner 30 based on information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and actions related to state transitions corresponding to the comparison results, as well as generation-related information for a state information generation unit that generates state information from the field's state-related information (in the above embodiment, state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 are shown as information including this information). Furthermore, the state transition method information D1 and state specification information D2 can be changed independently of the actions of the determiner 30. The state information includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the label indicates.

[0235] According to the processing apparatus 1 described above, the information specifying the comparison content in the determiner 30 and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, as well as the generation-related information of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the fields, can be changed independently of the operation of the determiner 30. Therefore, compared with conventional procedures, even if the conditions are changed or additional functions are added, the above information can be changed without stopping the operation of the determiner, thus improving convenience, reliability, and security. Furthermore, since the state information includes a label related to the nature of the state and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is, errors in obtaining the information to be compared can be prevented when comparing in the determiner 30, enabling accurate comparison. Therefore, even if the processing based on the actions in the comparator and the comparison result is changed, the processing can be flexibly changed, improving convenience, reliability, and security.

[0236] <Other>

[0237] The above describes the embodiments in detail, but those skilled in the art will naturally not limit the embodiments described in this specification.

[0238] The application examples of the processing device 1 described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can certainly be made. Furthermore, when the processing device 1 has the function of a control device to control a desired device, the determination content of the decision maker 30 can be appropriately modified according to the device it is targeting, for example, by specifying the content through the state transition method information D1 and the state specification information D2.

[0239] <Postscript>

[0240] The present invention can include the following structures.

[0241] One processing method involves comparing state information using a determiner. The state information is state-related information obtained from a field and includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0242] A processing program is used to enable a computer to function as a processing device to perform a judgment function by comparing state information, said state information being state-related information obtained from fields, the state information including: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0243] A processing method involves comparing state information obtained from a field using a determiner. The state information is state-related information. The method includes specifying information about the comparison content in the determiner and actions related to state transitions corresponding to the comparison results, as well as generation-related information for a state information generation unit that generates state information from the field's state-related information. The processing is associated with the determiner. The information about specifying the comparison content in the determiner and actions related to state transitions corresponding to the comparison results, as well as generation-related information for a state information generation unit that generates state information from the field's state-related information, can be changed independently of the determiner's actions. The state information includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the label indicates.

[0244] A processing program is used to enable a computer to function as a processing device to perform a judgment function that compares state information. The state information is state-related information obtained from a field. Based on information specifying the comparison content in the judgment function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and information related to the generation of a state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, the program performs processing associated with the judgment function. The information specifying the comparison content in the judgment function and the actions related to the state transition corresponding to the comparison result, and the information related to the generation of the state information generation unit for generating state information from the state-related information of the field, can be changed independently of the actions of the judgment function. The state information includes: a label related to the nature of the state, and a profile indicating what kind of state the nature determined by the label is.

[0245] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0246] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1X: Processing devices

[0247] 10, 10A, 10B, 10F, 10G, 10H: State transition method acquisition section

[0248] 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, 20H: Status specification acquisition unit

[0249] 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H: Decision Maker

[0250] 31: Nuclear

[0251] 32: Parser

[0252] 33: Receiver Platform

[0253] 34: Participant Platform

[0254] 40, 40A, 40B, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46: Recipient

[0255] 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 51, 52: Participants.

Claims

1. A processing apparatus comprising: The receiver generates status information representing the status of a field based on the field's status. The determiner compares the state information representing the state of a field based on the action specification information of the action it specifies. as well as Participants, based on the decision-maker's judgment, perform actions related to the state transition of fields. The receiver that generates state information representing the state of a field, and the participants that perform actions related to the transition of the field's state, can change independently of the actions of the determiner. The determiner is a fixed element separate from the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant are variable elements existing in the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant can change without stopping the action of the determiner.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The actions related to generating the status information in the receiver are specified through the action specification information.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The actions related to the state transition of the fields performed in the participants are specified through the action specification information.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The action specification information includes: Information describing the association between the state information representing the state of a field and the actions performed by the participants related to the transition of the field's state; Information describing the participants and their action methods related to the state transitions of the execution field; and This describes the specified information required by the receiver to generate the information corresponding to the state information representing the state of the field.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The determiner has a status information acquisition unit for acquiring the status information from the receiver. Based on the action specification information, the status information acquisition unit can generate, modify, or delete the recipient of the status information representing the status of the field.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The determiner has a state transition indicator that indicates the state transition corresponding to the determination result. Based on the action specification information, the state transition indicator can initiate, change, or terminate the participant's control over actions related to the state transition of the execution field.

7. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The status information includes: labels related to the nature of the field's status, and a brief description indicating the state of the nature determined by the labels. The determiner compares whether the label and the profile contained in the status information are the status specified in the action specification information.

8. A processing method, comprising: The receiver generates state information representing the state of a field based on the field's state. The state information representing the state of a field is compared using the action specification information of the action specified by the determiner; and Participants perform actions related to the state transition of a field based on the determination result of the determiner. The receiver that generates state information representing the state of a field, and the participants that perform actions related to the transition of the field's state, can change independently of the actions of the determiner. The determiner is a fixed element separate from the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant are variable elements existing in the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant can change without stopping the action of the determiner.

9. A processing product, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as a processing apparatus comprising a receiver, a determiner, and a participant. This function enables the generation of status information representing the status of a field based on the status of that field by the receiver. This function enables the comparison of state information representing the state of a field based on the action specification information of the action specified by the determiner. The receiver that generates state information representing the state of a field, and the participants that perform actions related to the transition of the field's state, can change independently of the actions of the determiner. Participants perform actions related to the state transition of a field based on the determination result of the determiner. The determiner is a fixed element separate from the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant are variable elements existing in the field. The receiver, the action specification information, and the participant can change without stopping the action of the determiner.

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