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 from the first multiplexer; Transmitting 104 to the first multiplexer, the first and second data identifying the device; Storing in cache 105, with 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 the first and second data in cache 107, at each of the other multiplexers. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 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 particularly interesting application in the airport sector. It can also be used in all server-driven communications, including travel agencies. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], to establish a communication session between an airport application module 200 and a remote application server 201, also known as an OBE (for open back-ends), the airport application module 200 transmits a request to establish a communication session to a service integrator 202, also known as a SI (for service integrator). The service integrator 202 comprises a plurality of multiplexers 203 that are configured to receive requests from both the airport application module 200 and the application server 201.

[0003] As soon as the service integrator 202 receives the request to establish a communication session, a specific multiplexer 203 is assigned to this application module 200. The specific multiplexer 203 then transmits to the application module 200 the first identification data of said first specific 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 with a remote database 205 of 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 aircraft. 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 at an airport. In database 205, application module 200 identifies the application module 200 capable of controlling a printer 204 to print this flight ticket. Application server 201 then forwards this flight ticket print request to the identified application module 200. In other words, the print request is transmitted from application server 201 to application module 200 via a specific multiplexer 203 assigned to that application module 200. When this specific multiplexer 203 is inoperative, for example, due to maintenance, application server 201 receives information indicating a malfunction of this specific multiplexer 203.Therefore, application server 201 searches database 205 for another communication session to access application module 200, which can control the printing of this flight ticket at the airport. The print request is thus transmitted once again to another multiplexer 203, and so on until a functioning multiplexer 203 is found.

[0006] Consequently, this process requires the application server 201 to know the topology of all communication sessions. Furthermore, printing a flight ticket can take 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, using the first service integrator, a first multiplexer included in the first service integrator to the application module • Transmit initial identification data from the first multiplexer to the application module; • 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 the first and second signals in a cache near the first multiplexer data ; • Transmit the first and second data from the first multiplexer to several other multiplexers of the first service integrator; • Store the first and second data in a cache with each of the other multiplexers.

[0009] Thanks to the method according to the invention, each multiplexer of the service integrator knows which multiplexers are capable of forwarding a request to a specific application module. Thus, when one of the multiplexers configured to forward a request to the specific application module is inoperative, the request is forwarded to a second multiplexer configured to forward the request to said application module without the need to call the application server.

[0010] In addition to the characteristics just mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the process according to this aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics from 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 the first and second data from the first multiplexer to the application server; • Transmit the first and second data from the application server to a remote database of the application server; • Save the first and second data points in the database.

[0012] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, the process 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 the piloting request via a second multiplexer; • 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 following steps: • Transmit from the first multiplexer to the other multiplexers of the first input service integrator, information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer; • Store in a 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, the 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 the 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 process includes a sharing step: • From the first and second data points of the first service integrator to a second service integrator, and • From the first and second data points of the second service integrator to the first service integrator.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a processor, said computer program product being notable in that it includes 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 drive at least one device and an application server, the system being notable in that it includes a memory storing the aforementioned computer program product.

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

[0019] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0020] [Fig.1] illustrates the establishment of a communication session according to the prior 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 process 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 process illustrated in [Fig.2]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0024] Figure 2 shows a non-limiting example 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 a scanner.

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

[0027] The method 100 includes a first step of transmitting 101, from an application module 2 to a first service integrator 3, an RI request 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 RI request to establish a communication session with the application server 4, the process 100 executes a step of assigning 102, by means of the first service integrator 3, a first multiplexer 5i which comprises the first service integrator 3 to the application module 2. In other words, the first multiplexer 5i is associated with the application module 2.

[0031] Then, the process 100 performs a step of transmitting 103, from the first multiplexer 5 i to the application module 2, the first ID1 identification data of the first mul- 5L tiplexer

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

[0033] The process 100 includes 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 process 100 includes 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 process 100 then includes a step of storing in cache 107, at each of the other multiplexers 52, 53, 54, the first and second data ID1, ID2. Thus, each of the multiplexers 51, 52, 53, 54 that comprise the first service integrator 3 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 includes a step of transmitting 108, from the first multiplexer 5 to the application server 4, the first and second data ID1, ID2.

[0037] Then, process 100 comprises the steps of: • Transmit 109, from application server 4 to a remote database 7 of 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 process 100 includes a step of receiving 111, from the application server 4, a request R2 to control the device 6 controlled by the application module 2.

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

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

[0041] Since the first and second data ID1, ID2 are cached by all multiplexers 5i, 52, 53, 54, the second multiplexer 52 identifies, in its cached data, the first multiplexer 5i, which has been assigned to application module 2, in other words, as being capable of exchanging data with application module 2, which application module 2 is capable of controlling device 6. The second multiplexer 52 then transmits request R2 to the first multiplexer 51. control. Then, the first multiplexer 5i transmits in turn the control request R2 to 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 a control request R2 to the first multiplexer 5 and the latter is inoperative, the method 100 includes a step of transmitting information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer 5 from the first multiplexer 5 to the other multiplexers 52, 53, 54 of the first service integrator 3.

[0044] Each of the multiplexers 52, 53, 54 stores 119 then caches the information reflecting a malfunction of the first multiplexer 5b

[0045] The process 100 then includes a step of identifying 120 in the cached data of the second multiplexer 52, the 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 able to exchange 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 application module 2, the piloting request R2. 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 a control request R2 to the first multiplexer 5Ja 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 process 100 may include a sharing step 126: - From the first and second data points of the first service integrator 3 to a second service integrator, and - From the first and second data of 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 include a processor and memory. The processor may include one or more selected devices Memory includes microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, user-programmable pre-broadcast networks, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, and other devices that manipulate signals (analog or digital) according to operational instructions stored in memory. Memory can 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 aforementioned invention offer numerous advantages. Among these, we can mention: • The application server's lack of knowledge of the service integrator's topology; and • The absence of a request to the application server when a communication session is interrupted due to a malfunction of one of the service integrator's multiplexers.

Claims

Demands

1. A 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) to establish a communication session with said application server (4); - Assigning (102), by means of said first service integrator (3), a first multiplexer (5i) comprising said first service integrator (3) to said application module (2); - Transmitting (103), from said first multiplexer (5i) to said application module (2), first identification data (ID1) for said first multiplexer (5i);- Transmit (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); - Store in cache (105), at said first multiplexer (5i), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Transmit (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); - Store in cache (107), at each of said other multiplexers (52, 53, 54), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2).

2. A 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 database of remote data (7) from said application server (4), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2); - Record (110) in said database (7), said first data (ID1) and second data (ID2).

3. A 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 pilot request (R2); • Receive (113), via a second multiplexer (52), the said pilot 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 pilot 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. A method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the second multiplexer (52) transmits the control request (R2) to the first multiplexer (5i) and the first multiplexer (5i) is inoperative, the method (100) comprises the steps of: - Transmit (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); - Store in cache (119) at each of the said other multiplexers, (52, 53, 54) the said information reflecting a malfunction of the said first multiplexer (5i); Identify (120) in the cached data of said second multiplexer (52), the 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); To control (123) said device (6) by means of said application module (2).

5. A method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the second multiplexer (52) transmits the control request (R2) to the first multiplexer (5i) 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 sharing step (126): - Of first data (ID1) and second data (ID2) from the first service integrator (3) to a second service integrator, and - Of first and second data from said second service integrator to said first service integrator (3).

7. Product: a computer program downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a processor, characterized in that it includes program code instructions for implementing the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the

8. program is executed on a computer. System (1) to establish 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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