METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN APPLICATION MODULE AND AN APPLICATION SERVER

Abstract

METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN APPLICATION MODULE AND AN APPLICATION SERVER One aspect of the invention relates to a method 100 for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control a device and an application server, the method 100 comprising the steps of: Transmitting 101 to a first service integrator, a request to establish a communication session with the application server; Assigning 102 a first multiplexer to the application module; Transmitting 103 to the application module, first identification data of the first multiplexer; Transmitting 104 to the first multiplexer, the first data and second data identifying the device; Storing in cache 105, near the first multiplexer, the first and second data; Transmitting 106 to several other multiplexers of the first service integrator, the first and second data;Store in cache 107, with each of the other multiplexers, said first and second data. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2;

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN APPLICATION MODULE AND AN APPLICATION SERVER TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control at least one device and an application server. The invention finds a particularly interesting application in the airport field. It can also be used in all communications controlled by a server, including travel agencies. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As illustrated in [Fig.l], to establish a communication session between an application module 200 of an airport and an application server 201, also designated by the acronym OBE (for open back-ends in English), remote from the airport, the application module 200 of the airport transmits a request to establish a communication session to a service integrator 202, also designated by the acronym SI (for service integrator in English). The service integrator 202 comprises a plurality of multiplexers 203 which are configured to receive requests from the application module 200 of the airport as well as from the application server 201.

[0003] As soon as the service integrator 202 receives the request to establish a communication session, a determined multiplexer 203 is assigned to this application module 200. The determined multiplexer 203 then transmits, to the application module 200, first identification data of said first determined multiplexer 203.

[0004] The application module 200 then transmits to the determined multiplexer 203 the first data and second data identifying at least one device 204 controlled by the application module 200. The determined multiplexer 203 redirects this data to the application server 201, which application server 201 records the data in a database 205 remote from said application server 201.

[0005] It should be noted that the service integrator 202 comprises a plurality of multiplexers 203, each of said multiplexers 203 being connected to an application module of the airport and each application module being configured to control at least one device. The application server 201 knows and maintains the topology of the communication sessions established between the application server 201, the service integrator 202 and the application modules 200 of the airport. Thus, when the server application server 201 receives a request to print a flight ticket in an airport, the application server 201 identifies, in the database 205, the application module 200 capable of controlling a printer 204 for printing this flight ticket. The application server 201 transmits this request to print the flight ticket to the identified application module 200. In other words, the print request is transmitted from the application server 201 to said application module 200 via a determined multiplexer 203 assigned to this application module 200. When this determined multiplexer 203 is inoperative, for example for maintenance reasons, the application server 201 receives information reflecting a malfunction of this determined multiplexer 203.The application server 201 then searches the database 205 for another communication session allowing access to the application module 200 capable of controlling the printing of this flight ticket in the airport. The print request is thus transmitted once again to another multiplexer 203 and so on until a multiplexer 203 in operation is found.

[0006] Consequently, this method requires the application server 201 to know the topology of all the communication sessions. Furthermore, printing a flight ticket may require considerable time when one or more multiplexers are inoperative.

[0007] The invention offers a solution to the problem mentioned above, by proposing a method for establishing a communication session between an application module and an application server allowing a saving of time when a multiplexer of the communication session is inoperative.

[0008] In this context, the invention thus relates, in its broadest sense, to a method for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control at least one device and an application server, the method comprising the steps of: • Transmit, from the application module to a first service integrator, a request to establish a communication session with the application server; • Assign, by means of the first service integrator, a first multiplexer which the first service integrator comprises to the application module • Transmit, from the first multiplexer to the application module, the first identification data of the first multiplexer; • Transmit, from the application module to the first multiplexer, the first data and second data identifying at least one device controlled by the application module; • Store in cache, near the first multiplexer, the first and second data ; • Transmit, from the first multiplexer to several other multiplexers of the first service integrator, the first and second data; • Store in cache, with each of the other multiplexers, the first and second data.

[0009] Thanks to the method according to the invention, each multiplexer of the service integrator knows the multiplexers capable of transmitting a request to a specific application module. Thus, when one of the multiplexers configured to transmit a request to the specific application module is inoperative, the request is transmitted to a second multiplexer configured to transmit the request to said application module without it being necessary to call upon the application server.

[0010] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the method according to this aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0011] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: • Transmit, from the first multiplexer to the application server, the first and second data; • Transmit, from the application server to a database remote from the application server, the first and second data; • Save the first and second data in the database.

[0012] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: • Receive, from the application server, a request to control the device controlled by the application module; • Transmit the control request from the application server to the first service integrator; • Receive, via a second multiplexer, the control request; • Identify, in the cached data of the second multiplexer, the first multiplexer assigned to the application module; • Transmit the control request from the second multiplexer to the first multiplexer; • Transmit the control request from the first multiplexer to the application module; • Control the device using the application module.

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, when the second multiplexer transmits the control request to the first multiplexer and the first multiplexer is inoperative, the method comprises the steps of: • Transmit from the first multiplexer to the other multiplexers of the first in service multiplexer, information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer; • Store in cache with each of the other multiplexers, the information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer; • Identify in the cached data of the second multiplexer, first identification data of a third multiplexer assigned to the application module and the second data identifying the device controlled by the application module; • Transmit the control request from the second multiplexer to the third multiplexer; • Transmit the control request from the third multiplexer to the application module; • Control the device using the application module.

[0014] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, when the second multiplexer transmits the control request to the first multiplexer and the first multiplexer is inoperative, the method comprises the additional steps of: • Transmit from the first multiplexer to the application server, information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer; • Record in the database the information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer.

[0015] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the method comprises a sharing step: • First and second data from the first service integrator to a second service integrator, and • First and second data from the second service integrator to the first service integrator.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communications network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a processor, said computer program product being remarkable in that it comprises program code instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, when the program is executed on a computer.

[0017] A different aspect of the invention relates to a system for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control at least one device and an application server, the system being remarkable in that it comprises a memory storing the aforementioned computer program product.

[0018] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0020] [Fig.l] illustrates the establishment of a communication session according to the state of the art, this communication session being implemented between an application module configured to control a device and an application server.

[0021] [Fig.2] illustrates the steps of a method for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control a device and an application server according to a non-limiting aspect of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.3], [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] show a schematic representation of a system arranged to carry out the steps of the method illustrated in [Fig.2]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0024] [Fig.2] shows a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method 100 for establishing a communication session between an application module configured to control a device and an application server.

[0025] This device can, for example, be formed by a printer configured to print flight tickets, an airport screening inspection gate or even a scanner.

[0026] Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate, for their part, a system 1 arranged to execute the steps of the method 100 illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0027] The method 100 comprises a first step of transmitting 101, from an application module 2 to a first service integrator 3, a request RI to establish a first communication session of the application module 2 with an application server 4 via a multiplexer.

[0028] The first service integrator 3 is better known by the acronym SI (for service integrator in English).

[0029] Application server 4 is better known by the acronym OBE (for open back-ends in English).

[0030] As soon as the first service integrator 3 receives the request RI to establish a communication session with the application server 4, the method 100 executes a step of allocating 102, by means of the first service integrator 3, a first multiplexer 5i that the first service integrator 3 comprises to the application module 2. In other words, the first multiplexer 5i is associated with the application module 2.

[0031] Then, the method 100 executes a step of transmitting 103, from the first multiplexer 5 i to the application module 2, first data ID1 for identifying the first mul- 5L triplexer

[0032] The method 100 then comprises a step of transmitting 104, from the application module 2 to the first multiplexer 5b, the first data ID1 and second data ID2 identifying a device 6 controlled by the application module 2.

[0033] The method 100 comprises a step of storing in cache 105, near the first multiplexer 5i, said first and second data ID1, ID2.

[0034] These first and second data ID1, ID2 are then shared with several other multiplexers 52, 53, 54 of the first service integrator 3. To this end, the method 100 comprises a step of transmitting 106, from the first multiplexer 5i to several other multiplexers 52, 53, 54 of the first service integrator 3, the first and second data ID1, ID2.

[0035] The method 100 then comprises a step of storing in cache 107, with each of the other multiplexers 52, 53, 54, the first and second data ID1, ID2. Thus, each of the multiplexers 5i, 52, 53, 54 that the first service integrator 3 comprises is able to identify the first communication session allowing access to the application module 2 configured to control the device 6.

[0036] The method 100 also comprises a step of transmitting 108, from the first multiplexer 5i to the application server 4, the first and second data ID1, ID2.

[0037] Then, the method 100 comprises the steps of: • Transmit 109, from the application server 4 to a database 7 remote from the application server 4 the first and second data ID1, ID2, and • Save 110 in database 7, the first and second data ID1, ID2.

[0038] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.4], when, for example, a user wishes to print a flight ticket from the device 6, the method 100 comprises a step of receiving 111, from the application server 4, a request R2 for controlling the device 6 controlled by the application module 2.

[0039] Once the control request R2 has been received, the application server 4 transmits 112 to the first service integrator 3, the control request R2.

[0040] Then, a second multiplexer 52 receives 113 the control request R2 transmitted by the application server 4. The selection of this second multiplexer 52 receiving the control request R2 is carried out randomly.

[0041] As the first and second data ID1, ID2 are recorded in cache with all the multiplexers 5i, 52, 53, 54, the second multiplexer 52 identifies 114, in its cached data, the first multiplexer 5i which has been allocated to the application module 2, in other words as being able to exchange data with the application module 2, which application module 2 is able to control the device 6. The second multiplexer 52 then transmits 115 to the first multiplexer 5Ja request R2 control. Then, the first multiplexer 5i in turn transmits 116 the control request R2 to the application module 2.

[0042] The application module 2 is thus able to control 117 the device 6 in order, in the example described, to print the flight ticket.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig.5], when the second multiplexer 52 transmits to the first multiplexer 5Ja a control request R2 and the latter is inoperative, the method 100 comprises a step of transmitting 118 from the first multiplexer 5 to the other multiplexers 52, 53, 54 of the first service integrator 3, information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer 5p.

[0044] Each of the multiplexers 52, 53, 54 then stores in cache the information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer 5b.

[0045] The method 100 then comprises a step of identifying 120 in the cached data of the second multiplexer 52, first identification data of a third multiplexer 53 assigned to the application module 2 and the second data identifying the device 6 controlled by the application module 2. This third multiplexer 53 is thus capable of exchanging data with the application module 2.

[0046] Once identified, the second multiplexer 52 transmits 121 to the third multiplexer 53, the piloting request R2. This third multiplexer 53 transmits 122 to the application module 2, the piloting request R2. The application module 2 is thus able to pilot 123 the device 6 to, in the example described, print the flight ticket.

[0047] According to a non-limiting implementation, when the second multiplexer 52 transmits to the first multiplexer 5Ja a control request R2 and the latter is inoperative, the method 100 comprises the additional steps of: • Transmit 124 from the first multiplexer 5i to the application server 4, the information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer 5i; • Record 125 in database 7, the information reflecting a malfunction of the first 5p multiplexer

[0048] In order to extend the geographical coverage of operation, the method 100 may comprise a sharing step 126: - First and second data from the first service integrator 3 to a second service integrator, and - First and second data from said second service integrator to said first service integrator 3.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first service integrator 3, the application server 4, the device 6 and the database 7 may comprise a processor and a memory. The processor may include one or more selected devices among microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, or other devices that manipulate signals (analog or digital) according to operating instructions that are stored in memory. Memory may include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing information.

[0050] The various aspects of the invention mentioned above have numerous advantages. Among these, we can cite: • Lack of knowledge of the service integrator's topology by the application server; and • The lack of request from the application server when a communication session is interrupted due to a malfunction of one of the service integrator's multiplexers.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (100) for establishing a communication session between an application module (2) configured to control at least one device (6) and an application server (4), said method (100) comprising the steps of: - Transmitting (101), from said application module (2) to a first service integrator (3), a request (RI) for establishing a communication session with said application server (4); - Assigning (102), by means of said first service integrator (3), a first multiplexer (5i) that said first service integrator (3) comprises to said application module (2); - Transmitting (103), from said first multiplexer (5i) to said application module (2), first data (ID1) for identifying said first multiplexer (5i);- Transmitting (104), from said application module (2) to said first multiplexer (5i), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2) identifying said device (6) controlled by said application module (2); - Storing in cache (105), near said first multiplexer (5i), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Transmitting (106), from said first multiplexer (5i) to several other multiplexers (52, 53, 54) of said first service integrator (3), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Storing in cache (107), near each of said other multiplexers (52, 53, 54), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2).;

2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - Transmitting (108), from the first multiplexer (5i) to the application server (4), the first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Transmitting (109), from said application server (4) to a base data (7) remote from said application server (4), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Recording (110) in said database (7), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2).

3. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - Receive (111), from the application server (4), a request (R2) to control the device (6) controlled by the application module (2); • Transmit (112), from said application server (4) to the first service integrator (3), said control request (R2); • Receive (113), by a second multiplexer (52), said control request (R2); • Identify (114), in the cached data of said second multiplexer (52), said first multiplexer (5i) assigned to said application module (2); • Transmit (115), from said second multiplexer (52) to said first multiplexer (5i), said control request (R2); • Transmit (116), from said first multiplexer (5i) to said application module (2), said control request (R2); • Control (117) said device (6) by means of said application module (2).

4. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the second multiplexer (52) transmits to the first multiplexer (5i) the control request (R2) and the first multiplexer (5i) is inoperative, the method (100) comprises the steps of: - Transmitting (118) from said first multiplexer (5i) to the other multiplexers (52, 53, 54) of the first service integrator (3), information reflecting a malfunction of said first multiplexer (5i); - Storing in cache (119) with each of said other multiplexers, (52, 53, 54) said information reflecting a malfunction of said first multiplexer (5i); Identify (120) in the cached data of said second multiplexer (52), first identification data of a third multiplexer (53) assigned to the application module (2) and the second data identifying the device (6) controlled by said application module (2); Transmit (121), from said second multiplexer (52) to said third multiplexer (53), said control request (R2); Transmit (122), from said third multiplexer (53) to said application module (2), said control request (R2); Control (123) said device (6) by means of said application module (2).

5. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the second multiplexer (52) transmits to the first multiplexer (5i) the control request (R2) and the first multiplexer (5i) is inoperative, the method (100) comprises the steps of: - Transmitting (124) from said first multiplexer (5i) to the application server (4), the information reflecting a malfunction of said first multiplexer (5i); - Recording (125) in the database (7), said information reflecting a malfunction of said first multiplexer (5i).

6. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of sharing (126): - First data (ID1) and second data (ID2) from the first service integrator (3) to a second service integrator, and - First and second data from said second service integrator to said first service integrator (3).

7. Computer program product downloadable from a communications network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a processor, characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for implementing the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, when the

8. program is executed on a computer. System (1) for establishing a communication session between an application module (2) configured to control at least one device (6) and an application server (4), said system (1) being characterized in that it comprises a memory storing the computer program product according to the preceding claim.

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