Apparatus, method and computer program product

Abstract

An apparatus includes a first processing section, a request accepting section, and a prohibiting section. The first processing unit executes periodic processing in each cycle period. In a case where the request accepting section receives an execution request of an aperiodic process to be executed by the first processing section, the request accepting section writes content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to that case, and causes the first processing section to execute the content. In a case where the request accepting unit has written the content corresponding to the execution request to the storage device, the prohibition unit prohibits the first processing unit from executing the non-periodic processing in accordance with a subsequent execution request as the execution request for a prohibition period of a reference length in response to the case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The content of the following patent application is incorporated herein by reference: Patent Application No. 2023-046789 filed in Japan on March 23, 2023. The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes, for example, “Examples of processing that is extremely critical for security, which is performed by the safety process 41, include, for example, processing such as processing for acquiring a measurement result of the sensor section 10, processing for converting the measurement result of the sensor section 10 into a process value, and processing for causing the process value to be transmitted” (paragraph 0024) and the like. (LIST OF CITATIONS) (PATENT DOCUMENTS) (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent No. 5862614 SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including a first processing section and a request acceptance section. The first processing section performs periodic processing during each cycle. In a case where the request acceptance section receives an execution request for non-periodic processing to be performed by the first processing section, the request acceptance section writes content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to the case, and causes the first processing section to execute the content.

[0004] The above-described apparatus can further include an inhibition section that, in a case where the request acceptance section has written the content corresponding to the execution request to the storage device, inhibits the first processing section from performing the non-periodic processing in accordance with a subsequent execution request that is a subsequent execution request of the execution request, for an inhibition period of a reference length, in response to the case.

[0005] In the above-described apparatus with the inhibition section, the inhibition section can inhibit the request acceptance section from receiving the subsequent execution request only during the inhibition period. The inhibition section can release the reception inhibition after the inhibition period.

[0006] In the above-described apparatus with the inhibition section, the inhibition section can inhibit the request acceptance section from writing content corresponding to the subsequent execution request only during the inhibition period.

[0007] In the above-described apparatus having the prohibition section, the request acceptance section can cause the first processing section to execute the non-periodic processing corresponding to the execution request by executing an issuance of a notification to the first processing section after the content corresponding to the execution request has been written to the storage apparatus, and the prohibition section can prohibit the request acceptance section from issuing a notification in accordance with the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period after the content corresponding to the execution request has been written to the storage apparatus.

[0008] In any of the above-described apparatuses having the prohibition section, the prohibition period can be longer than a period of the periodic period.

[0009] In the above-described apparatus of the first aspect, the first processing section can execute the non-periodic processing in response to a state in which the content corresponding to the execution request is written to the storage apparatus and the periodic processing is executed.

[0010] In any of the above-described apparatuses, a sum of a periodic processing period during which one periodic processing is continued and a non-periodic processing period during which non-periodic processing is continued can be shorter than a period of the periodic period.

[0011] In any of the above-described apparatuses, the first processing section can execute the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing on a secure area of the storage apparatus. Also, the apparatus can execute processing on a non-secure area of the storage apparatus, and can further include a second processing section for transmitting the execution request to the request acceptance section.

[0012] The above-described apparatus can further include the storage apparatus, wherein the storage apparatus can include a first storage apparatus having the secure area and a second storage apparatus having the non-secure area.

[0013] Any of the above-described apparatuses can further include an acquisition section that acquires measurement data. Here, the periodic processing can include processing of writing at least one of the measurement data acquired by the acquisition section and a process value derived from the measurement data to the storage apparatus. The non-periodic processing can be processing that is executed in response to a request from outside the apparatus. The acquisition section can acquire the measurement data from a sensor apparatus.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a method including the step of accepting a request by writing, in response to a case in which an execution request for non-periodic processing to be executed by a first processing apparatus for executing periodic processing during respective periodic periods is received, content corresponding to the execution request to a storage apparatus, and causing the first processing apparatus to execute the content.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a computer program product that causes a computer to function as: a first processing section that executes periodic processing during each cycle; and a request accepting section that, in a case where the request accepting section receives an execution request for non-periodic processing to be executed by the first processing section, writes content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to the case, and causes the first processing section to execute the content.

[0016] Note that the above summary of the application does not necessarily list all the essential features of each embodiment of the present application. The present application can also be a sub-combination of the above features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A field device 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 2 is a timing chart showing the relationship between periodic processing and non-periodic processing. Figure 3 The operation of the processing device 4 is shown. Figure 4 A field device 1A according to the second embodiment is shown. Figure 5 is a timing chart showing the relationship between periodic processing and non-periodic processing. Figure 6 The operation of the processing device 4A is shown. Figure 7 An example of a computer 2200 in which various aspects of the present application can be fully or partially embodied is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following, the present application will be explained by means of the embodiments of the present application, but the following embodiments do not limit the application within the scope of the claims. In addition, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessary for the solution of the present application.

[0019] 1. First embodiment 1.1. Field device 1 Figure 1 A field device 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. The field device 1 can be a device arranged in a field site where a process is to be executed, and is capable of communicating with a controller (not shown) that controls the process. As one example in the present embodiment, the field device 1 transmits a process value indicating a measurement result as an analog signal to the controller, and also communicates with the controller by superimposing various digital signals on the process value. The field device 1 can include a sensor device 2, a communication device 3, and a processing device 4.

[0020] 1.1-1. Sensor device 2 The sensor device 2 measures a value for indicating any physical quantity such as pressure, temperature, humidity, liquid level, pH, speed, or flow rate in a factory process. For example, the sensor device 2 can be a flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe or a pressure gauge for measuring a fluid pressure. As one example, the sensor device 2 can detect a through signal (ultrasonic wave signal that has passed through a fluid) when an ultrasonic wave signal is transmitted in a direction along which the fluid flows and a through signal when the ultrasonic wave signal is transmitted in a direction against which the fluid flows, and measure a flow rate of the fluid based on detection results of these through signals. Note that the factory can include, for example, a factory facility, a mechanical facility, a production facility, a power generation facility, a storage facility, and a facility located at a well source for drilling oil or natural gas, and the like.

[0021] The sensor device 2 can perform measurement under the control of the processing device 4. The sensor device 2 can provide measurement data for indicating a measurement result to the processing device 4. As an example in the present embodiment, the sensor device 2 can provide the measurement data to the processing device 4 in sequence.

[0022] 1.1-2. Communication device 3 The communication device 3 communicates with a controller (not illustrated) for controlling a process. For example, the communication device 3 is connected to a transmission line (for example, a transmission line for transmitting a "4 mA to 20 mA" signal) laid in a field site of a factory, and transmits an analog signal of the above-described process value to the controller and communicates various digital signals with the controller under the control of the processing device 4. For example, the communication device 3 can communicate by using a process industry communication protocol such as HART (registered trademark) or BRAIN. Note that the communication device 3 can perform wired communication, or can perform wireless communication.

[0023] 1.1-3. Processing device 4 The processing device 4 is an example of the device of the present embodiment, and has an acquisition section 40, a storage section 41, a first processing section 42, a second processing section 43, a request acceptance section 44, and a prohibition section 45.

[0024] 1.1-3.1. Acquisition section 40 The acquisition section 40 acquires measurement data. The acquisition section 40 can acquire measurement data from the sensor device 2, and can provide the acquired measurement data to the first processing section 42. The acquisition section 40 can provide the measurement data to the first processing section 42 each time the measurement data is acquired from the sensor device 2. Alternatively, the acquisition section 40 can provide the measurement data acquired from the sensor device 2 to the first processing section 42 at each predetermined period (as one example, 100 ms). In this case, the acquisition section 40 can provide the measurement data acquired from the sensor device 2 to the first processing section 42 at each period, can provide the measurement data acquired from the sensor device 2 at the period to the first processing section 42 at one time, or can average the measurement data acquired from the sensor device 2 at the period and then provide the first processing section 42.

[0025] 1.1-3.2. Storage section 41 The storage section 41 is an example of a storage device, and is used to store various data. The storage section 41 can have a first storage device 411 and a second storage device 412. The first storage device 411 and the second storage device 412 can be separate storage devices, and each storage device can be a volatile memory such as a RAM (random access memory), or can be a non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM (read only memory) or an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM).

[0026] 1.1-3.2 (1). First storage device 411 The first storage device 411 can have a secure area 413. The secure area 413 can be a secure area in which information, systems, communication channels, and the like are protected, and can be a secure area that cannot be directly accessed from the second processing section 43. The secure area 413 can store data that is extremely critical for safety among data used by the field device 1, and can have a safety data area 4130 and a buffer area 4131.

[0027] The secure data area 4130 can be an area that is accessible only from the first processing section 42. Examples of data to be stored in the secure area 4130 include, for example, measurement data (which can also be referred to as raw data) acquired by the sensor device 2, process values derived from the measurement data, "range setting" data for setting a measurement range of the sensor device 2, "calibration" data for performing adjustment or correction of the sensor device 2, "sensor constant" data for indicating an inherent characteristic of a sensor element provided in the sensor device 2, and the like. Write protection for preventing writing can be applied to the secure data area 4130, and writing can be permitted by performing a predetermined release process.

[0028] The buffer area 4131 can be an area that is accessible from the first processing section 42 and the request accepting section 44, and can store information to be exchanged between the request accepting section 44 and the first processing section 42. As an example in the present embodiment, an access request for requesting the first processing section 42 to access data in the secure data area 4130 can be written from the request accepting section 44 to the buffer area 4131. The access request can request the first processing section 42 to perform aperiodic processing that will be described below, and the access request is also referred to as an execution request of aperiodic processing at this time. The access request can be a write request of data, or a read request of data. The write request can include data to be written and identification information of the data to be written. The read request can include identification information of data to be read. The identification information of data can indicate a type of data, and additionally, can indicate an address of the data in the secure data area 4130. Data read by the first processing section 42 in response to the read request can be stored in the buffer area 4131.

[0029] 1.1-3.2 (2). Second storage device 412 The second storage device 412 can have a non-secure area 414. Unlike the secure area 413, the non-secure area 414 can be an area in which information, systems, communication channels, and the like are not protected, and can store data that is not critical to safety among data used by the field device 1. The data that is not critical to safety can be data that is not related to derivation of process values and the like, and can be, for example, "communication setting" data for indicating settings of communication with a controller, "display setting" data for indicating display settings of a display device (not shown) provided in the field device 1, and the like.

[0030] 1.1-3.3. First processing section 42 The first processing section 42 is an example of a first processing device, and performs periodic processing and aperiodic processing. The first processing section 42 can perform the periodic processing and the aperiodic processing on the secure area 413 of the storage section 41. The first processing section 42 can perform the periodic processing within each period (also referred to as a period T30; see the following explanation) and can perform the aperiodic processing aperiodically. Figure 2

[0031] The period T30 can be a period that is repeated in a periodic manner, and in the present operational example, can be a period that is repeated continuously (i.e., without interruption) as one example. The period T30 can be equal to a period in which the measurement data is acquired by the acquisition section 40 from the sensor device 2, and in the present embodiment, can be 100 ms as one example.

[0032] The periodic processing can include processing in which at least one of the measurement data acquired by the acquisition section 40 and a process value derived from the measurement data is written to the storage section 41. In the present embodiment, the periodic processing can include processing in which the process value is derived from the measurement data acquired by the acquisition section 40 as one example, and can include processing in which both the measurement data and the process value are written to the storage section 41. In the processing in which the process value is derived from the measurement data, the process value can be calculated from the value of the measurement data by using the "sensor constant" data in the secure data area, and can be calculated by multiplying the value of the measurement data by the sensor constant or the like as one example.

[0033] The periodic processing can also include processing in which the process value is provided to the communication device 3 to be transmitted to the controller as an analog signal. The periodic processing can also include processing in which the process value is provided to a communication processing section 430 in the second processing section 43, which will be explained below, to be transmitted to the controller from the communication device 3 as a digital signal.

[0034] The aperiodic processing can be processing that is to be performed in response to a request from an external controller (not shown). The aperiodic processing can be processing in which data in the secure data area 4130 is read. The aperiodic processing can be processing in which data is written to the secure data area 4130, and as one example, can be processing in which data other than the measurement data and the process value (in the present embodiment, as one example, "range setting" data, "calibration" data, or "sensor constant" data) is written to the secure data area 4130 to alter the original data. In the present embodiment, the request from the controller can be provided to the first processing section 42 via the communication device 3, the second processing section 43, the request acceptance section 44, and the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41 as one example.

[0035] ​The first processing unit 42 includes a signal processing unit 420, an access acceptance unit 421, a write processing unit 422, and a read processing unit 423. Note that, as an example, the first processing unit 42 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and, for example, each component of the first processing unit 42 may be realized when a program stored in the storage unit 41 is read and executed by the CPU.

[0036] 1.1-3.3(1). Signal processing unit 420 The signal processing unit 420 can perform processing primarily related to periodic processing. In this embodiment, as an example, the signal processing unit 420 can acquire measurement data from the acquisition unit 40, convert the measurement data into process values, provide write instructions for the measurement data and process values ​​to the write processing unit 422 for writing, provide the process values ​​to the communication processing unit 430 (described later) in the second processing unit 43 for transmission from the communication device 3 to the controller as digital signals, and provide the process values ​​to the communication device 3 for transmission to the controller as analog signals. The write instructions provided to the write processing unit 422 can include the data to be written (in this embodiment, as an example, safety-critical data) and identification information for the data. The signal processing unit 420 can also provide read instructions to the read processing unit 423 for reading data. The read instructions provided to the read processing unit 423 can include identification information for the data to be read.

[0037] 1.1-3.3(2). Access Acceptance Unit 421 The access acceptance section 421 reads the execution request of the non-periodic process from the buffer area 4131 , and supplies a command corresponding to the execution request to the write processing section 422 or the read processing section 423 .

[0038] In response to the execution request received from the buffer area 4131 being a read request, the access acceptance unit 421 can provide a read instruction to the read processing unit 423 to read data from the secure data area 4130. Since the read request received from the buffer area 4131 includes identification information of the data to be read, the access acceptance unit 421 can include an address corresponding to this identification information in the read instruction sent to the read processing unit 423. The access acceptance unit 421 can have a table (also called an address table) that associates addresses in the secure data area 4130 with the respective identification information of the data, and can refer to this address table to identify the address. The access acceptance unit 421 can provide the data received from the read processing unit 423 in response to the read instruction to the read processing unit 423 to the communication processing unit 430.

[0039] In response to a state in which the execution request read from the buffer area 4131 is a write request, the access accepting section 421 can provide the write processing section 422 with a write instruction to write data into the secure data area 4130. Since the write request read from the buffer area 4131 contains data of a write target and identification information of the data, the access accepting section 421 can include the data and an address corresponding to the identification information in the write instruction to be provided to the write processing section 422. The access accepting section 421 can refer to the above-described address table to identify the address of the write position. Note that the processing of the access accepting section 421 can be non-periodic processing.

[0040] 1.1-3.3(3). Write processing section 422 In response to the write instruction provided from the signal processing section 420 or the access accepting section 421, the write processing section 422 writes the data included in the write instruction into the secure data area 4130. In response to the write instruction provided from the access accepting section 421, the write processing section 422 can write the data included in the write instruction into the secure data area 4130 to update existing data. The write processing section 422 can perform the writing of data corresponding to the write instruction provided from the access accepting section 421 in an idle time in which the signal processing section 420 does not perform processing. Among the processing to be performed by the write processing section 422, the processing corresponding to the write instruction from the signal processing section 420 can be periodic processing, and the processing corresponding to the write instruction provided from the access accepting section 421 can be non-periodic processing.

[0041] 1.1-3.3(4). Read processing section 423 In response to the read instruction provided from the signal processing section 420 or the access accepting section 421, the read processing section 423 reads data from the secure data area 4130. The read processing section 423 can provide the signal processing section 420 with data read in response to the read instruction from the signal processing section 420, and can provide the access accepting section 421 with data read in response to the read instruction from the access accepting section 421. Among the processing to be performed by the read processing section 423, the processing corresponding to the read instruction from the signal processing section 420 can be periodic processing, and the processing corresponding to the read instruction from the access accepting section 421 can be non-periodic processing.

[0042] 1.1-3.4. Second processing section 43 The second processing section 43 performs processing on the non-secure area 414 of the storage section 41, and transmits an execution request of the non-periodic processing to the request accepting section 44. The second processing section 43 has a communication processing section 430, a write processing section 431, a read processing section 432, and an access request section 433. Note that the second processing section 43 can be a central processing unit (CPU), for example, and each of the components of the second processing section 43 can be realized when a program stored in the storage section 41 is read and executed by the CPU, for example.

[0043] 1.1-3.4(1). Communication processing section 430 The communication processing section 430 performs processing related to digital communication performed between the communication device 3 and a controller (not shown). In response to a process value supplied from the signal processing section 420 of the first processing section 42, the communication processing section 430 can cause the process value to be transmitted as a digital signal from the communication device 3 to the controller.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the communication processing section 430 can perform processing in accordance with various requests from the controller to the processing device 4 via the communication device 3. As one example in the present embodiment, the communication processing section 430 can perform processing related to reading data from the storage section 41 or processing related to writing data to the storage section 41.

[0045] The communication processing section 430 can identify the data type of data to be written in response to a write request of data received from the communication device 3. As one example in the present embodiment, the write request can include data to be written and identification information for indicating the type. The data type of data to be written can be any one of "range setting" data, "calibration" data, "sensor constant" data, "communication setting" data, and "display setting" data.

[0046] The communication processing section 430 can identify whether data to be written is data extremely critical for security or data not critical for security. As one example, the communication processing section 430 can have a table for association (also referred to as a type table) in which, for each type of data, the data of the type is data extremely critical for security or data not critical for security, and can refer to the type table to identify whether data to be written is data extremely critical for security or data not critical for security.

[0047] In response to identifying that the data of the write target is data that is extremely critical for security (as one example in the present embodiment, any one of "range setting" data, "calibration" data, and "sensor constant" data), the communication processing section 430 can provide the data write request to the access request section 433. The write request to the access request section 433 can include the data of the write target and the identification information of the data.

[0048] In response to identifying that the data of the write target is data that is not critical for security (as one example in the present embodiment, any one of "communication setting" data and "display setting" data), the communication processing section 430 can provide the data write instruction to the write processing section 431. The write instruction to the write processing section 431 can include the data of the write target and the address of the write position corresponding to the identification information of the data. The communication processing section 430 can have a table (also referred to as an address table) in which the addresses in the non-secure area 414 are associated with respective identification information of data, and can identify the address of the write position by referring to the address table.

[0049] The communication processing section 430 can identify the data type of the read target in response to receiving the read request from the communication device 3. As one example in the present embodiment, the read request can include the data type of the read target.

[0050] The communication processing section 430 can identify whether the data of the read target is data that is extremely critical for security or data that is not critical for security. The communication processing section 430 can refer to the above-described type table to identify whether the data of the read target is data that is extremely critical for security or data that is not critical for security.

[0051] In response to identifying that the data of the read target is data that is extremely critical for security, the communication processing section 430 can provide the data read request to the access request section 433. The read request to the access request section 433 can include the identification information of the data of the read target.

[0052] In response to identifying that the data of the read target is data that is not critical for security, the communication processing section 430 can provide the data read instruction to the read processing section 432. The read instruction to the read processing section 432 can include the address corresponding to the identification information of the data of the read target. The communication processing section 430 can identify the address of the data of the read target by referring to the above-described address table.

[0053] In response to the data of the read target provided from the access acceptance section 421 or the read processing section 432 of the first processing section 42, the communication processing section 430 can provide the data to the communication device 3 to be transmitted to the controller as a digital signal.

[0054] The communication processing section 430 can check whether the content received via the communication device 3 is proper and reasonable. For example, the communication processing section 430 can check whether the transmission source of the received request is the controller. Additionally, the communication processing section 430 can check whether the data of the write target is proper and reasonable data, and can check whether the data of the write target is proper and reasonable data based on, for example, the data type of the write target and the data content of the write target. As one example, in response to a state in which the data of the write target is "range setting" data, the communication processing section 430 can check whether the value of the data falls within a range settable by the sensor device 2.

[0055] 1.1-3.4(2). Write processing section 431 In response to a write instruction provided from the communication processing section 430, the write processing section 431 writes data included in the write instruction to the non-secure area 414. As one example, the data written by the write processing section 431 can be "communication setting" data or "display setting" data.

[0056] 1.1-3.4(3). Read processing section 432 In response to a read instruction provided from the communication processing section 430, the read processing section 432 reads data from the non-secure area 414. The read processing section 432 can provide the read data to the communication processing section 430.

[0057] 1.1-3.4(4). Access request section 433 The access request section 433 issues an execution request of non-periodic processing to be executed by the first processing section 42. The access request section 433 can provide each of the write request and the read request provided from the communication processing section 430 to the request acceptance section 44 as the execution request of the non-periodic processing. As one example, the communication between the access request section 433 and the request acceptance section 44 can be serial communication, but can be another communication method.

[0058] 1.1-3.5. Request acceptance section 44 In response to receiving the execution request of the non-periodic processing, the request accepting section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the storage section 41 so as to be executed by the first processing section 42. In the present embodiment as one example, in response to the execution request received from the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43, the request accepting section 44 can write the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41. In response to the received being a write request, the request accepting section 44 can write the content (in the present embodiment as one example, the data of the write target and the identification information of the data) of the write request to the buffer area 4131. In response to the received being a read request, the request accepting section 44 can write the content (in the present embodiment as one example, the identification information of the data of the read target) of the read request to the buffer area 4131.

[0059] In response to writing the content of one or more execution requests (in the present embodiment as one example, one execution request) of the non-periodic processing to the buffer area 4131, the request accepting section 44 can provide the prohibition section 45 with a notification of the effect (also referred to as a write completion notification). Additionally, the request accepting section 44 can also provide the access accepting section 421 of the first processing section 42 with the write completion notification. As one example, the request accepting section 44 can be implemented by a DMA (direct memory access) controller.

[0060] 1.1-3.6. Prohibition section 45 In response to the request accepting section 44 writing the content corresponding to the execution request to the storage section 41, the prohibition section 45 prohibits the first processing section 42 from executing the non-periodic processing according to a subsequent execution request within a prohibition period of a reference length (also referred to as a prohibition period T33, see the description later Figure 2 ). The prohibition section 45 can prohibit the request accepting section 44 from receiving the subsequent execution request only within the prohibition period T33. As one example, similar to the request accepting section 44, the prohibition section 45 can be implemented by a DMA controller.

[0061] According to the processing device 4 described above, the first processing section 42 executes the periodic processing within each cycle period T30, and when the request accepting section 44 receives the execution request of the non-periodic processing, the content corresponding to the execution request is written to the storage section 41 and executed by the first processing section 42. Therefore, since the first processing section 42 can execute the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing, unlike the case where the second processing section 43 executes the non-periodic processing, it is possible to improve the security of the data set that is the target of the non-periodic processing.

[0062] In addition, in response to the request acceptance section 44 writing content corresponding to the execution request of the non-periodic processing to the storage section 41, the first processing section 42 is prohibited from executing the non-periodic processing according to the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period T33, and thus, while causing the first processing section 42 to reliably execute the non-periodic processing according to the execution request, it is possible to prevent the non-periodic processing according to the subsequent execution request from hindering the execution of the periodic processing during each period T30.

[0063] In addition, since the request acceptance section 44 is prohibited from receiving the subsequent execution request, it is possible to reliably prevent the non-periodic processing according to the subsequent execution request from hindering the execution of the periodic processing.

[0064] In addition, the periodic processing includes processing of writing at least one of the measurement data acquired by the acquisition section 40 and a process value derived from the measurement data to the storage section 41. Thus, it is possible to prevent the non-periodic processing from hindering the execution of the periodic processing such as the writing of the measurement data.

[0065] In addition, the first processing section 42 executes the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing with respect to the secure area 413 of the storage section 41, the second processing section 43 executes processing with respect to the non-secure area 414 of the storage section 42, and also transmits the execution request of the non-periodic processing to the request acceptance section 44. Thus, by executing the non-periodic processing with respect to the secure area 413 from the first processing section 42 due to the execution request from the second processing section 43, it is possible to securely maintain the secure area 413. In addition, unlike the processing with respect to the secure area 413, the processing with respect to the non-secure area 414 can be promptly executed by the second processing section 43.

[0066] In addition, since the first storage device 411 is provided with the secure area 413 and the second storage device 412 is provided with the non-secure area 414, the secure area 413 and the non-secure area 412 can be physically separated from each other to improve the security of the secure area 413.

[0067] 1.2. Timing chart Figure 2 is a timing chart illustrating the relationship between the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing. In this chart, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0068] When the next cycle period T30 starts from the time point t5, the first processing section 42 performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 (the period from the time point t5 to the time point t6 in this operation example) within the cycle period T30. On the other hand, since the controller has requested writing or reading of data that is extremely critical for security, when the request accepting section 44 receives the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the access requesting section 433 of the second processing section 43, the request accepting section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41. As one example, the request accepting section 44 can transfer the execution request as it is to the buffer area 4131. Note that the start timing of the transfer can be before or after the time point t6 at which the periodic processing period T31 ends.

[0069] Similarly, when the next cycle period T30 starts from the time point t5, the first processing section 42 performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 (the period from the time point t5 to the time point t6 in this operation example) within the cycle period T30. On the other hand, since the controller has requested writing or reading of data that is extremely critical for security, when the request accepting section 44 receives the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the access requesting section 433 of the second processing section 43, the request accepting section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41. As one example, the request accepting section 44 can transfer the execution request as it is to the buffer area 4131. Note that the start timing of the transfer can be before or after the time point t6 at which the periodic processing period T31 ends.

[0070] When the transfer of the execution request of the aperiodic processing is completed at the time point t7, the prohibition section 45 prohibits the first processing section from performing the aperiodic processing in response to a subsequent execution request during the prohibition period T33 of the reference length. In this operation example, the prohibition section 45 can prohibit the request accepting section 44 from receiving the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period T33. The prohibition period T33 can be longer than the cycle period T30. In this operation example, the prohibition period T33 is the period from the time point t7 to the time point t9, and the end point of the period of the prohibition period T33 is the time point t9 at which the next cycle period T30 starts, but can be before or after the time point t9.

[0071] On the other hand, when the transfer of the execution request of the aperiodic processing is completed at the time point t7, the access accepting section 421 of the first processing section 42 reads the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the buffer area to perform the aperiodic processing. The access accepting section 421 can cause the writing processing section 422 to perform writing or the reading processing section 423 to perform reading in accordance with the content of the execution request.

[0072] Note that the access accepting section 421 can detect that the writing of the execution request of the non-periodic processing has been completed by receiving the writing completion notification indicating that the writing of the execution request of the non-periodic processing has been completed from the request accepting section 44. Alternatively, the access accepting section 421 can detect that the writing of the execution request of the non-periodic processing has been completed by monitoring the buffer area 4131. The access accepting section 421 can execute the non-periodic processing in response to detecting that the writing of the execution request of the non-periodic processing has been completed.

[0073] After the execution of the periodic processing, the first processing section 42 can end the execution of the non-periodic processing before the execution of the next periodic processing. In this operation example as one example, the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing lasts can be a period from the time point t7 to a time point t8 at which the next periodic period T30 starts, and the end point of the non-periodic processing period T32 can be before the time point t8 or after the time point t8.

[0074] The length of the non-periodic processing period T32 can vary depending on the content of the non-periodic processing. Note, however, that the length of the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing lasts can be shorter than the length obtained by subtracting the periodic processing period T31 from the periodic period T30. In other words, the sum of the periodic processing period T31 during which one periodic processing lasts and the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing lasts can be shorter than the periodic period T30. In order to limit the length of the non-periodic processing period T32, the number of times of the non-periodic processing executed in one non-periodic processing period T32 can be set to be lower than a reference number, or the data amount of the execution request of the non-periodic processing transmitted from the access request section 433 to the request accepting section 44 can be set to be lower than a reference number (for example, 255 bytes).

[0075] When the next periodic period T30 starts from the time point t8, the first processing section 42 executes the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 within the periodic period T30. In this operation example as one example, since the non-periodic processing ends at the time point t8, the periodic processing starts at the time point t8. If the non-periodic processing ends after the time point t8, however, the periodic processing can start after the non-periodic processing ends.

[0076] Then, when the next cycle period T30 starts from the time point t9 (in this operation example as an example, the period from the time point t9 to the time point tlO), the first processing section 42 performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 within the cycle period T30. On the other hand, the prohibition period T33 ends at the time point t9, and the acceptance prohibition of the execution request by the request accepting section 44 is released. With this configuration, a state is established in which the request accepting section 44 can receive the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43.

[0077] Note that the first processing section 42 in this operation example can be in a standby state when neither of the periodic processing and the aperiodic processing is performed, but can perform a diagnosis processing to diagnose whether or not data that should be maintained to have a preset content among data within the first storage 411 has not changed.

[0078] According to the above operation, since the prohibition period T33 during which the aperiodic processing is prohibited is longer than the cycle period T30, it is possible to prevent one aperiodic processing performed by the first processing section 42 and a subsequent aperiodic processing to be performed by the first processing section 42 after the prohibition period T33 from being performed in the same cycle period T30. Therefore, even when the execution request of the aperiodic processing is frequently issued, it is possible to reliably prevent the execution of the periodic processing from being hindered by the aperiodic processing.

[0079] In addition, since the sum of the periodic processing period T31 during which the periodic processing lasts and the aperiodic processing period T32 during which the aperiodic processing lasts is shorter than the cycle period T30, the period from the start to the completion of the execution of the periodic processing and the period from the start to the completion of the execution of the aperiodic processing both fall within the cycle period T30. Therefore, the periodic processing and the aperiodic processing are separated in time from each other and can be performed at different times. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the execution of the periodic processing from being hindered by the aperiodic processing.

[0080] 1.3. Operation Figure 3 The operation of the processing device 4 is shown. The processing device 4 can perform processing according to a request from the controller by the processing in steps Sll to S67. Note that the first processing section 42 can perform the periodic processing within each cycle period T30 in addition to the operation shown. Figure 3

[0081] In step Sll, the communication processing section 430 of the second processing section 43 receives a request from the controller via the communication device 3. In this embodiment as an example, the request from the controller can be a write request to write to the storage section 41 or a read request to read from the storage section 41.

[0082] ​In step S13, the communication processing section 430 checks whether the received content is proper. For example, the communication processing section 430 can check whether the transmission source of the received request is the controller.

[0083] In step S15, the communication processing section 430 determines whether the received content is proper. When it is determined that the received content is not proper (step S15; No), the operation can be ended. When it is determined that the received content is proper (step S15; Yes), the processing can proceed to step S17.

[0084] In step S17, the communication processing section 430 determines whether the content of the request relates to a type of data that is extremely critical for security or a type of data that is not critical for security. When it is determined that the content of the request relates to data that is extremely critical for security (step S17; Security), the processing can proceed to step S19. When it is determined that the content of the request relates to data that is not critical for security (step S17; Non-Security), the processing can proceed to step S61.

[0085] In step S19, the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43 issues an execution request of the aperiodic processing. The access request section 433 can provide each of the write request and the read request provided from the communication processing section 430 to the request accepting section 44 as the execution request of the aperiodic processing. The access request section 433 can assign a sequence number to each communication frame of the execution request to be provided to the request accepting section 44.

[0086] In step S21, the request accepting section 44 determines whether the current time point is within the prohibition period T33. When it is determined that the current time point is within the prohibition period T33 (step S21; Yes), the operation can be ended. When it is determined that the current time point is not within the prohibition period T33 (step S21; No), the processing can proceed to step S23.

[0087] In step S23, the request accepting section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41. With this configuration, the aperiodic processing is executed by the first processing section 42 in the processing in steps S41 to S49 and the like to be described later. Note that the request accepting section 44 can perform abnormality diagnosis on the second processing section 43 by using the sequence number assigned to each communication frame of the execution request received from the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43. For example, in response to a state in which duplication, omission, or repetition occurs in the sequence number, the request accepting section 44 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the second processing section 43. In response to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the second processing section 43, the request accepting section 44 can close the communication with the access request section 433 to protect the first processing section 42.

[0088] When the writing of the content corresponding to the execution request is completed, in step S25, the request accepting section 44 transmits a write completion notification to the prohibition section 45 and the first processing section 42.

[0089] When the write completion notification is transmitted from the request accepting section 44, in step S31, the prohibition section 45 starts the prohibition period T33. The prohibition section 45 can prohibit the request accepting section 44 from receiving a subsequent execution request during the prohibition period T33.

[0090] In step S33, the prohibition section 45 determines whether or not a time of the reference length has elapsed from the start of the prohibition period T33 in step S31. When it is determined that the time of the reference length has not elapsed (step S33; No), the processing can proceed to step S33. When it is determined that the time of the reference length has elapsed (step S33; Yes), the processing can proceed to step S35.

[0091] In step S35, the prohibition section 45 ends the prohibition period T33. The prohibition section 45 can release the prohibition of the request accepting section 44 from receiving a subsequent execution request. Note that the processing in step S35 can be executed after step S49 described later. When the processing in step S35 ends, the prohibition section 45 can enter a standby state until the write completion notification is received from the request accepting section 44.

[0092] On the other hand, when the write completion notification is transmitted from the request accepting section 44 by the processing in step S25, in step S41, the access accepting section 421 of the first processing section 42 reads the execution request of the non-periodic processing that has been written to the buffer area 4131.

[0093] In step S43, the access accepting section 421 determines whether the execution request read from the buffer area 4131 is a read request or a write request. When it is determined that the execution request is a write request (step S43; W), the processing can proceed to step S45. When it is determined that the execution request is a read request (step S43; R), the processing can proceed to step S47.

[0094] In step S45, the write processing section 422 of the first processing section 42 writes the data included in the write request to the address of the secure data area 4130 included in the write request. The write processing section 422 can execute the writing after executing the release processing of the write protection on the secure data area 4130. When the processing in step S45 ends, the processing device 4 can end the operation according to the request from the controller.

[0095] In step S47, the read processing section 423 of the first processing section 42 reads the data at the address of the secure data area 4130 included in the read request.

[0096] In step S49, the access accepting section 421 transmits the data read by the read processing section 423 in step S47 to the communication processing section 430 of the second processing section 43.

[0097] In step S55, the communication processing section 430 of the second processing section 43 supplies the data read in response to the read request to the communication device 3, and the data is transmitted as a digital signal to the controller. With this configuration, the data read in response to the read request is returned to the controller. When the processing in step S55 ends, the processing device 4 can end the operation in accordance with the request from the controller.

[0098] On the other hand, in step S61, the communication processing section 430 of the second processing section 43 determines whether the request from the controller is a read request or a write request. When it is determined that the request from the controller is a write request (step S61; W), the processing can proceed to step S63. When it is determined that the request from the controller is a read request (step S61; R), the processing can proceed to step S65.

[0099] In step S63, the write processing section 431 of the second processing section 43 writes the data included in the write request to the address of the non-secure area 414 included in the write request. When the processing in step S63 ends, the processing device 4 can end the operation in accordance with the request from the controller.

[0100] In step S65, the read processing section 432 of the second processing section 43 reads the data at the address of the non-secure area 414 included in the read request.

[0101] In step S67, the communication processing section 430 of the second processing section 43 supplies the data read in response to the read request to the communication device 3, and the data is transmitted as a digital signal to the controller. With this configuration, the data read in response to the read request is returned to the controller. When the processing in step S67 ends, the processing device 4 can end the operation in accordance with the request from the controller.

[0102] 1.4. Modification of the First Embodiment Note that, in the above-described first embodiment, the description has been provided that the processing device 4 has the prohibition section 45, but a configuration in which the prohibition section 45 is not provided can also be employed. In this case, when the request accepting section 44 receives the execution request of the non-periodic processing, the content corresponding to the execution request can be written to the storage section 41 to be executed by the first processing section 42.

[0103] Further, the following description has been provided: in which the prohibition section 45 prohibits the first processing section 42 from executing the aperiodic processing in accordance with the subsequent execution request by prohibiting the request accepting section 44 from receiving the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period T33. However, the execution of the aperiodic processing can be prohibited by another technique. For example, the prohibition section 45 can prohibit the request accepting section 44 from writing the content corresponding to the subsequent execution request to the buffer area 4131 only during the prohibition period T33. In a case where the request accepting section 44 causes the first processing section 42 to execute the aperiodic processing by issuing a write completion notification to the first processing section 42, the prohibition section 45 can prohibit the request accepting section 44 from issuing the write completion notification in accordance with the subsequent execution request only after the content corresponding to the execution request of the aperiodic processing is written to the buffer area 4131 during the prohibition period T33. The prohibition section 45 can prohibit the first processing section 42 from executing a new aperiodic processing. In this case, the prohibition section 45 can be implemented by reading the program stored in the storage section 41 to the CPU of the first processing section 42 for execution.

[0104] 2. Second Embodiment 2.1. Field Device 1A Figure 4 A field device 1A according to the second embodiment is shown. The field device 1A includes a processing apparatus 4A, and the processing apparatus 4A has a first processing section 42A. Note that, in the field device 1A according to the present embodiment, components substantially the same as those shown in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is not repeated. Figure 1

[0105] The first processing section 42A differs from the first processing section 42 in the above-described embodiments in that the content corresponding to the execution request of the aperiodic processing is written to the storage section 41, and the aperiodic processing is executed also in response to the execution of the periodic processing. The first processing section 42A can have an access accepting section 421A.

[0106] The access accepting section 421A can read the execution request of the aperiodic processing written to the buffer area 4131 by the request accepting section 44 after the execution of the periodic processing. With this configuration, the aperiodic processing is executed after the execution of the periodic processing. Similar to the access accepting section 421 in the above-described embodiments, the access accepting section 421A can provide the instruction according to the read execution request to the write processing section 422 or the read processing section 423.

[0107] According to the above-described processing apparatus 4A, the content corresponding to the execution request is written to the storage section 41, and the aperiodic processing is executed also in response to the execution of the periodic processing, so that it is possible to prevent the execution of the periodic processing during each cycle period T30 from being hindered by the execution of the aperiodic processing. ​

[0108] 2.2. Timing chart Figure 5 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the periodic processing and the aperiodic processing. In this chart, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0109] When the period period T30 starts from the time point t5, the first processing section 42A performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 (in this operation example, as one example, the period from the time point t5 to the time point t6) within the period period T30. On the other hand, since the controller has requested writing or reading of data extremely critical for security, when the request accepting section 44 receives the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43, the request accepting section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41. As one example, the request accepting section 44 can transfer the execution request as it is to the buffer area 4131. Note that the start timing of the transfer can be before or after the time point t6 at which the periodic processing period T31 ends.

[0110] When the transfer of the execution request of the aperiodic processing is completed at the time point t7 and the next period period T30 starts from the time point t8, the first processing section 42A performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 (in this operation example, as one example, the period from the time point t8 to the time point t8i) within the period period T30.

[0111] When the periodic processing ends at the time point t8i, the access accepting section 421A of the first processing section 42A reads the execution request of the aperiodic processing from the buffer area to execute the aperiodic processing. The access accepting section 421A can cause the writing processing section 422 to write or cause the reading processing section 423 to read according to the content of the execution request.

[0112] Note that the access accepting section 421A can detect that the writing of the execution request of the aperiodic processing has been completed by receiving a writing completion notification for indicating that the writing of the execution request of the aperiodic processing has been completed from the request accepting section 44. Alternatively, the access accepting section 421A can detect that the writing of the execution request of the aperiodic processing has been completed by monitoring the buffer area 4131. The access accepting section 421A can execute the aperiodic processing in response to the completion of the writing of the execution request of the aperiodic processing and the detected completion of the periodic processing.

[0113] As one example in the present operational example, the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing is performed can be a period from the time point t81 to the time point t82. The time point t82 can be before or after the time point t9 at which the next periodic period T30 starts. The length of the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing is performed can vary depending on the content of the non-periodic processing. However, it should be noted that the length of the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing is performed can be shorter than the length obtained by subtracting the periodic processing period T31 from the periodic period T30. In other words, the sum of the periodic processing period T31 during which one periodic processing is performed and the non-periodic processing period T32 during which the non-periodic processing is performed can be shorter than the periodic period T30.

[0114] Then, when the next periodic period T30 starts from the time point t9 (a period from the time point t9 to the time point t10 as one example in the present operational example), the first processing section 42A performs the periodic processing during the periodic processing period T31 within the periodic period T30.

[0115] 2.3. Operation Figure 6 The operation of the processing device 4A is shown. The processing device 4A can perform processing in accordance with a request from the controller by the processing in steps S11 to S77.

[0116] In the present embodiment, in response to the execution request of the non-periodic processing issued from the access request section 433 of the second processing section 43 to the request acceptance section 44 in step S19, in step S71, the request acceptance section 44 writes the content corresponding to the execution request to the buffer area 4131 of the storage section 41.

[0117] When the writing of the content corresponding to the execution request is completed, in step S73, the request acceptance section 44 sends a writing completion notification to the first processing section 42A.

[0118] On the other hand, in step S75, the signal processing section 420, the writing processing section 422, and the reading processing section 423 of the first processing section 42A perform the periodic processing within the periodic period T30. The processing in step S75 can be performed before the processing in step S73.

[0119] In step S77, the access acceptance section 421A of the first processing section 42A determines whether or not a write completion notification has been received from the request acceptance section 44, that is, whether or not the content of the execution request of the non-periodic processing has been written to the buffer area 4131. When it is determined that the write completion notification has not been received (step S77; No), the processing can proceed to step S75. When it is determined that the write completion notification has been received (step S77; Yes), the processing can proceed to the above-described step S41. With this configuration, the first processing section 42A executes the non-periodic processing in response to the state in which the content corresponding to the execution request of the non-periodic processing is written to the buffer area 4131 and in response to the execution of the periodic processing. The non-periodic processing can be executed immediately after the periodic processing or can be executed without interruption after the periodic processing ends.

[0120] 3. Modification Note that in the above-described first and second embodiments, the description has been provided that the processing device 4 or 4A has the acquisition section 40, the storage section 41, and the second processing section 43, but a configuration in which any of these sections is omitted can also be employed. For example, if the processing device 4 or 4A does not have the acquisition section 40, the measurement data and the like of the sensor device 2 can be stored in advance in the storage section 41. If the processing device 4 or 4A does not have the storage section 41, the first processing section 42 or 42A can execute the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing on a storage device externally connected to the processing device 4 or 4A.

[0121] In addition, the description has been provided that the processing device 4 or 4A has the acquisition section 40 capable of acquiring the measurement data from the sensor device 2, but the processing device 4 or 4A can have the sensor device 2 itself as the acquisition section 40.

[0122] In addition, various embodiments of the present application can be described in connection with flow diagrams and block diagrams in which various blocks can represent (1) a stage in a process in which operations are performed, or (2) a part of a device having a function to perform operations. Certain stages and parts can be implemented by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or processors supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. The dedicated circuits can include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and can include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuits can include reconfigurable hardware circuits including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical operations, and memory elements such as flip-flops, registers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0123] The computer-readable medium can include any tangible device that is capable of storing instructions for execution by a suitable device, and thus, the computer-readable medium storing the instructions includes a product that comprises the instructions which are executable to create means for implementing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of the computer-readable medium can include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium can include a soft disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, and the like.

[0124] The computer readable instructions can include assembly instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0125] The computer readable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the operations specified in the flowchart or flow diagram block or blocks. Such processors include, but are not limited to, a computer processor, a processing unit of a computer processor, a microprocessor, microprocessor-based system, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, a microprocessor complex, a programmable gate array, or the like.

[0126] Figure 7 An example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present application can be fully or partially implemented is shown. A program installed in the computer 2200 can cause the computer 2200 to function as an operation associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, or can cause the computer 2200 to function as one or more components of the apparatus, or can cause the above operation or the above one or more components to be executed, and / or can cause the computer 2200 to execute a process or a stage of the process according to an embodiment of the present application. Such a program can be executed by the CPU 2212 so as to cause the computer 2200 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described in this specification.

[0127] The computer 2200 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are connected to each other by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes an input / output section, such as a communication interface (I / F) 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes conventional input / output sections, such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 through an input / output chip 2240.

[0128] The CPU 2212 operates in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214, thereby controlling each component. The graphics controller 2216 obtains image data generated by the CPU 2212 on a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0129] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201, and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads and / or writes programs and data from and to an IC card.

[0130] A boot program or the like executed by the computer 2200 at activation and / or a program dependent on the hardware of the computer 2200 is stored in the ROM 2230. The input / output chip 2240 can also connect various input / output sections to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, or the like.

[0131] A program is provided from a computer-readable medium such as the DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, the RAM 2214, or the ROM 2230 which are examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and cooperation between these programs and various types of hardware resources described above is provided. The apparatus or method can be constructed by implementing operations or processing on information according to the use of the computer 2200.

[0132] For example, in the case of communication between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 can execute a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214, and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or an IC card, transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes reception data received from a network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0133] In addition, the CPU 2212 can cause the RAM 2214 to read all or a necessary part of a file or a database stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, or the like, and can perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. Next, the CPU 2212 writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0134] Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, charts, and databases can be stored in the recording medium and undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 can perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 2214 to write back the results to the RAM 2214, the various types of processing being described throughout the present disclosure and specified by an instruction sequence of a program, and including various types of operations, information processing, conditional determination, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, and the like. In addition, the CPU 2212 can search for information in a file, a database, or the like in the recording medium. For example, if a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute and the attribute value of the first attribute being associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 can search for an entry matching a condition in which the attribute value of the first attribute is specified from the plurality of entries, and read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, whereby the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute satisfying a predetermined condition can be obtained.

[0135] The above-described programs or software modules can be stored in a computer readable medium on or near the computer 2200. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as the computer readable medium, whereby the programs are provided to the computer 2200 through the network.

[0136] Although the present application has been described through various embodiments, the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments. It will also be apparent from the description of the claims that embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added can be covered within the technical scope of the present application.

[0137] Note that the operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process performed by an apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, or drawings can be carried out in any order as long as the order is not specified by "before," "prior to," or the like, and unless a subsequent process uses an output of a previous process. Even if an ordinal term such as "first" or "next" or the like is used in the description of an operational flow of the claims, specification, or drawings, this does not necessarily mean that the process must be carried out in this order. [List of reference numerals]

[0138] 1: field device 2: sensor device 3: communication device 4: processing device 40: acquisition section 41: storage section 42: first processing section 43: second processing section 44: request acceptance section 45: prohibition section 411: first storage means 412: second storage means 413: secure area 414: non-secure area 420: signal processing section 421: access acceptance section 422: write processing section 423: read processing section 430: communication processing section 431: write processing section 432: read processing section 433: access request section 2200: computer 2201: DVD-ROM 2210: host controller 2212: CPU 2214: RAM 2216: graphics controller 2218: display device 2220: input / output controller 2222: communication interface 2224: hard disk drive 2226: DVD-ROM drive 2230: ROM 2240: input / output chip; 2242: keyboard; 4130: secure data area; 4131: buffer area.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a first processing section that performs periodic processing during each cycle period; and a request accepting section that, in a case where an execution request for non-periodic processing to be executed by the first processing section is received by the request accepting section, writes content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to the case and causes the first processing section to execute the content.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a prohibition section that, in a case where the request accepting section has written the content corresponding to the execution request to the storage device, prohibits the first processing section from executing the non-periodic processing in accordance with a subsequent execution request that is a subsequent execution request of the execution request for a prohibition period of a reference length in response to the case.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prohibition section prohibits the request accepting section from receiving the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prohibition section prohibits the request accepting section from writing content corresponding to the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the request accepting section causes the first processing section to execute the non-periodic processing corresponding to the execution request by performing notification to the first processing section after the content corresponding to the execution request has been written to the storage device, and the prohibition section prohibits the request accepting section from notifying in accordance with the subsequent execution request only during the prohibition period after the content corresponding to the execution request has been written to the storage device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prohibition period is longer than a cycle of the cycle period.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing section executes the non-periodic processing in response to a state in which the content corresponding to the execution request is written to the storage device and the periodic processing is executed.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sum of a periodic processing period during which one of the periodic processing lasts and a non-periodic processing period during which the non-periodic processing lasts is shorter than a cycle of the cycle period.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first processing section executes the periodic processing and the non-periodic processing on a secure area of the storage device, and the apparatus executes processing on a non-secure area of the storage device and further comprises a second processing section that transmits the execution request to the request accepting section.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: the storage device, wherein the storage device includes a first storage device having the secure area and a second storage device having the non-secure area.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition section that acquires measurement data, wherein the periodic processing includes processing of writing at least one of the measurement data acquired by the acquisition section and a process value derived from the measurement data to the storage device.

12. A method comprising: The step of accepting the request is performed by, in a case where an execution request for non-periodic processing to be executed by a first processing device for executing periodic processing during respective periods is received, writing content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to the case, and causing the first processing device to execute the content.

13. A computer program product causing a computer to function as: a first processing section that executes periodic processing during respective periods; and a request accepting section that, in a case where the request accepting section receives an execution request for non-periodic processing to be executed by the first processing section, writes content corresponding to the execution request to a storage device in response to the case, and causes the first processing section to execute the content.

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