Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To suppress stop of service which uses a server.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: a storage portion; a selection portion; and an application processing portion. The storage portion stores for each of a plurality of servers, setting information including identification information of a server, authentication information for use in connection between the storage portion and the server, permission information expressing communication permitted between the storage portion and the servers, and a priority. The selection portion selects a first server from any one of the plurality of servers on the basis of the priority. The application processing portion performs the communication in accordance with the permission information for the first server between the application processing portion and the first server connected on the basis of the identification information and the authentication information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known communication systems that perform various processes using servers such as cloud platforms. For example, there is a communication system in which an application running on a server acquires the status of one or more edge terminals (clients) connected to the server and then performs a service using the acquired status.

[0003] There are cases where a server experiences a failure (abnormality) for some reason, making it unable to communicate with the edge terminal. Even if such a failure occurs, it is desirable that the services required by the edge terminal continue to run as uninterrupted as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6821765 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that can prevent the suspension of services using a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to an embodiment includes a storage unit, a selection unit, and an application processing unit. The storage unit stores, for each of a plurality of servers, configuration information including server identification information, authentication information used to connect to the server, permission information indicating communication permitted between the server, and a priority. The selection unit selects a first server from the plurality of servers based on the priority. The application processing unit communicates with the first server connected based on the identification information and authentication information in accordance with the permission information for the first server. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an edge terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of setting information. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a communication process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an edge terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an edge terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an edge terminal according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting information. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a communication device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] There are known services that allow applications on a server to obtain the status of an edge terminal even when the edge terminal cannot connect to the server. However, the status of the edge terminal provided to the application by such services is the last status obtained when the edge terminal was able to communicate with the server. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this last status reflects the current status when the edge terminal cannot connect to the server. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to check the status of the edge terminal or to be able to control the edge terminal even when communication with the server is not possible.

[0010] (First embodiment) The communication device according to the first embodiment switches the server to which it cooperates depending on the communication situation, thereby preventing the suspension of services using the server.

[0011] The communication system of this embodiment is different from, for example, a communication system with redundant servers. In a communication system with redundant servers, for example, server identification information (such as a uniform resource locator (URL)) and authentication information (such as a certificate and key information) used to connect to the server are not changed. In other words, even if a failure occurs in one of the multiple redundant servers, the edge terminal can continue to use the services provided by the server without being aware of the failure.

[0012] In contrast, in this embodiment, different identification information and authentication information are used for each of the multiple servers that are to be linked. The edge terminal detects a communication failure between the edge terminal and a linked server among the multiple servers, and if a failure is detected, switches the link to another server using the identification information and authentication information. Note that, for example, by using different identification information and authentication information, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access from occurring compared to a configuration that uses common identification information and authentication information.

[0013] First, an overview of the functions of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. The communication system includes an edge terminal and multiple cloud platforms. The edge terminal is an example of a client (communication device). The cloud platform is an example of a server, and represents, for example, a server (platform) built on a cloud environment.

[0014] The edge terminal manages, for each of the multiple cloud platforms, the identification information of the cloud platform and the authentication information used to connect to the cloud platform, and also manages the priority of each cloud platform and permission information indicating the data and control contents that are permitted to be communicated with each cloud platform.

[0015] Normally, an edge terminal connects to a cloud platform with a higher priority (e.g., the highest priority) and executes applications with that cloud platform in accordance with the permission information. If a failure is detected in communication with that cloud platform, the edge terminal switches the connection to the cloud platform with the next highest priority. A communication failure occurs, for example, when communication fails for a certain period of time or a certain number of times. If a failure is also detected in communication with the cloud platform with the next highest priority, the edge terminal attempts to connect to the cloud platform with the highest priority, and then to the cloud platform with the next highest priority.

[0016] In this manner, in this embodiment, the edge terminal executes applications not only with one cloud platform but also with multiple cloud platforms. Note that the edge terminal may periodically notify cloud platforms other than the currently connected cloud platform of its current operating status. Furthermore, the currently connected cloud platform may be permitted to control switching of the cloud platform that executes the application.

[0017] Next, the details of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 10 of this embodiment.

[0018] 1, the communication system 10 includes an edge terminal 100, a communication device 150, and cloud platforms 201 and 202. The communication system 10 may include multiple edge terminals 100, or may include three or more cloud platforms. The following mainly describes an example in which the communication system 10 includes two cloud platforms 201 and 202 and switches between these cloud platforms.

[0019] The edge terminal 100 operates in cooperation with the cloud platform 201 or the cloud platform 202. The network between the edge terminal 100 and the cloud platforms 201, 202 and the network between the communication device 150 and the cloud platforms 201, 202 may be a network of any configuration, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). Typically, the edge terminal 100 and the communication device 150 are connected to the Internet and cooperate with the cloud platforms 201, 202 connected to the Internet.

[0020] The communication method used by the edge terminal 100 and the communication device 150 to connect to the Internet may be a wired communication method such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or a wireless communication method such as a connection via a mobile phone network or a wireless LAN connection. In this way, the network configuration between the edge terminal 100 and the communication device 150 and the cloud platforms 201, 202 and the specific communication method of the network may be any network configuration and communication method.

[0021] 1 shows an example in which a cloud platform 201 operates as a cloud platform that executes a main application in cooperation with an edge terminal 100. The application may be any application, and examples thereof include the following applications. Application example: The edge terminal 100 transmits detected temperature data to a cloud platform. The cloud platform transmits commands or instructions to the edge terminal 100 to control air conditioning, blinds, lighting, etc. according to the temperature.

[0022] In this way, the edge terminal 100 transmits, for example, data collected by the edge terminal 100 to the cloud platform 201 (application), and executes processing on the edge terminal 100 according to instructions from the cloud platform 201 (application). The data (collected data) transmitted by the edge terminal 100 to the cloud platform 201 is, for example, sensor readings (sensor data) of the edge terminal 100, and statistical values ​​of the system operating status such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) usage rate and memory usage of the edge terminal 100.

[0023] The instructions from the cloud platform 201 to the edge terminal 100 include, for example, an instruction to execute a single command, an instruction to execute a batch process including a series of commands, and an instruction that involves the transfer of a certain amount of data, such as a firmware update. The timing of executing a command or updating a firmware may be instructed from the cloud platform 201 to the edge terminal 100, such as by scheduled execution.

[0024] The cloud platform 201 may have a function (user interface function) of providing a user interface such as a display screen for data collected from the edge terminal 100 and an operation screen for issuing instructions to the edge terminal 100.

[0025] The communication device 150 is used to display such a user interface. The communication device 150 may be any device, for example, a personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. For example, a user uses a user interface provided on the communication device 150 by the cloud platform 201 to grasp the status of the edge terminal 100 and remotely operate the site where the edge terminal 100 is installed.

[0026] Instead of or in addition to the user interface function, the cloud platform 201 may be provided with an external collaboration interface function. The external collaboration interface function is, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface) that provides data collected from the edge terminal 100, and an API that implements instructions to the edge terminal 100. Programs and services used by users (programs and services running on the communication device 150) can operate the cloud platform 201 and the edge terminal 100 using the external collaboration interface. Note that if the cloud platform 201 does not have a user interface providing function and an external collaboration interface function, the communication system 10 does not need to include the communication device 150.

[0027] When communication between the edge terminal 100 and the cloud platform 201 becomes impossible, the edge terminal 100 switches the collaboration destination to the cloud platform 202. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 10 after the edge terminal 100 switches the collaboration destination to the cloud platform 202.

[0028] The reason why communication between the edge terminal 100 and the cloud platform 201 becomes impossible may be any reason, but examples thereof include the following reasons. A failure in the communication method used by the edge terminal 100 or in the network to which the communication method is connected Failure of the external network to which Cloud Platform 201 is connected A network failure between the edge terminal 100 and the cloud platform 201 ·Failure of the Cloud Platform 201 itself

[0029] When the edge terminal 100 detects a communication failure with the cloud platform 201 as a collaboration partner, it switches the collaboration partner to the cloud platform 202 .

[0030] Like cloud platform 201, cloud platform 202 has functions for collecting data from edge terminal 100 and outputting instructions to edge terminal 100. Like cloud platform 201, cloud platform 202 may have a user interface function and an external collaboration interface function. However, cloud platform 202 does not need to provide exactly the same functions as cloud platform 201. In other words, there may be differences between the functions realized by cloud platform 201 and the functions realized by cloud platform 202.

[0031] Cloud platform 202 has a lower priority than cloud platform 201 and is connected in the event of a failure of cloud platform 201. Therefore, cloud platform 202 may be a server that provides more limited functionality than cloud platform 201.

[0032] The edge terminal 100 can distinguish between the cloud platform 201 and the cloud platform 202 as collaboration destinations. Typically, the edge terminal 100 distinguishes collaboration destinations by identification information such as a URL. The information used for the distinction is not limited to a URL, and may be the following information: Address information used for communication, such as IP (Internet Protocol) addresses Security key information, such as public key fingerprints The name of the application program running on each cloud platform, or the name and version information of the application program

[0033] In either case, the edge terminal 100 can switch the collaboration destination between the cloud platform 201 and the cloud platform 202 at its own discretion.

[0034] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the edge terminal 100. The edge terminal 100 includes a communication unit 111, an application processing unit 101, a selection unit 102, and a storage unit 121.

[0035] The communication unit 111 connects to a network and communicates with the cloud platform 201 and the cloud platform 202 via the network. The communication method of the communication unit 111 may be any of a wired connection, a wireless connection, and a combination of a wired and wireless connection. The communication unit 111 also executes communication processing including control for maintaining the connection to the network.

[0036] The application processing unit 101 executes application processing that should be executed on the edge terminal 100 side in order to realize the services provided by the cloud platforms 201 and 202. For example, the application processing unit 101 acquires or generates data to be transmitted to the cloud platforms 201 and 202, and processes the data.

[0037] Furthermore, the application processing unit 101 analyzes instructions received from the cloud platforms 201 and 202 and executes processing according to the instructions. For example, if the edge terminal 100 has one or more sensors (such as a temperature sensor) and transmits data read from the sensors (such as sensor data indicating temperature) to the cloud platforms 201 and 202, the application processing unit 101 may perform sensor reading processing.

[0038] Furthermore, when the edge terminal 100 has one or more actuators and operates the actuators according to instructions from the cloud platforms 201 and 202, the application processing unit 101 may control the actuators according to the instructions.

[0039] Furthermore, the application processing unit 101 detects a communication failure with the currently linked cloud platform and notifies the selection unit 102. Any method for detecting the failure may be used, but for example, the following method may be applied. (M1) The application processing unit 101 detects a failure based on information about a communication failure acquired from the communication unit 111. For example, if an error occurs when the communication unit 111 executes name resolution processing for a host name included in a URL that is identification information of the cloud platform 201, the communication unit 111 notifies the application processing unit 101 that an error has occurred. The application processing unit 101 notifies the selection unit 102 of the occurrence of the notified error. (M2) If an error occurs when the process of transmitting sensor data to the cloud platform 201 is executed, the application processing unit 101 notifies the selection unit 102 of the occurrence of the error. (M3) When it is expected that instructions will be sent from the cloud platform 201 to the edge terminal 100 at regular intervals, if the edge terminal 100 fails to receive the instructions beyond that period, the application processing unit 101 determines that an error has occurred and notifies the selection unit 102 of the occurrence of the error.

[0040] The errors to be notified are not limited to errors related to the currently linked cloud platform. For example, even when linked with cloud platform 201, if the communication unit 111 or the application processing unit 101 communicates with cloud platform 202 for purposes such as checking whether the platform is alive or dead, and an error occurs in that communication, the selection unit 102 may be notified of the occurrence of the error.

[0041] The selection unit 102 selects one of the cloud platforms (first server) based on the priority. For example, the selection unit 102 selects the cloud platform with the highest priority (e.g., cloud platform 201) under normal circumstances (when no failure occurs). If a failure is detected in communication with the connected cloud platform 201, the selection unit 102 selects the cloud platform 202 with the next highest priority as the collaboration destination.

[0042] For example, when the selection unit 102 receives a notification of an error that has occurred in the application processing unit 101 or the communication unit 111, the selection unit 102 determines whether to switch the cloud platform to be linked. The selection unit 102 refers to the setting information stored in the storage unit 121 to determine whether to switch the cloud platform.

[0043] The storage unit 121 stores various types of information used by the edge terminal 100. The storage unit 121 can be configured with any commonly used storage medium, such as a flash memory, a memory card, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an optical disk.

[0044] For example, the storage unit 121 stores setting information for each of a plurality of cloud platforms. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the setting information. The setting information includes a priority, collaboration destination identification information, a server certificate, edge authentication information, permission information, and a switching condition.

[0045] The collaboration destination identification information is identification information of a server (cloud platform) that can be a collaboration destination. The server certificate is, for example, a certificate set in each cloud platform. The edge authentication information is, for example, a key pair of the edge terminal 100 that the edge terminal 100 uses when communicating with each cloud platform. The server certificate and edge authentication information are examples of authentication information used for connecting to a cloud platform.

[0046] As described above, the permission information indicates the data and control details that are permitted to be communicated with each cloud platform. That is, the permission information includes information indicating the type of data that is permitted to be exchanged with each cloud platform during collaboration. Fig. 4 shows an example of permission information indicating that all data transmission and all data reception (such as instruction reception) are permitted with cloud platform 201 with priority 1 (high priority), and only some data transmission and some data reception are permitted with cloud platform 202 with priority 2 (low priority).

[0047] The setting information including the priority is stored in advance in the storage unit 121. The setting information may be embedded in the edge terminal 100 as initial setting at the time of shipping from a factory, or may be set directly by a user in the edge terminal 100. Furthermore, the setting information in the storage unit 121 may be updated in response to an instruction from a cloud platform with which the edge terminal 100 is currently linked by the initial setting or the like.

[0048] The priority may be determined in any manner, for example, by a user or an administrator of the entire system. For example, the priority may be determined based on the number of functions supported by application systems built on each cloud platform. The priority may be determined based on the number of computing resources or communication resources available on each cloud platform. The priority may be determined according to the physical or logical distance between the edge terminal 100 and the cloud platform.

[0049] The switching condition is referenced by the selection unit 102 when determining whether to switch the cloud platform to be linked. The switching condition can also be interpreted as a condition for detecting a failure in communication with the cloud platform. For example, the selection unit 102 determines that a failure in communication with the currently connected cloud platform has been detected when the switching condition included in the setting information for the currently connected cloud platform is satisfied. Then, the selection unit 102 selects a cloud platform (second server) other than the currently connected cloud platform as the cloud platform to be linked. There may be one or more switching conditions, and the switching condition may not be set for some of the linked cloud platforms.

[0050] 4, when a switching condition set in cloud platform 201 is satisfied, the selection unit 102 switches the collaboration destination from cloud platform 201 to cloud platform 202. In this example, since no switching condition is set in cloud platform 202, the selection unit 102 does not switch from cloud platform 202 to cloud platform 201.

[0051] In such a case, switching from cloud platform 202 to cloud platform 201 may be performed, for example, by sending a switching instruction from cloud platform 202 to edge terminal 100. That is, edge terminal 100 supports not only switching between cloud platforms but also switching by user instruction (manual switching). Note that switching may also be performed from a cloud platform with a lower priority to a cloud platform with a higher priority.

[0052] For example, when the user confirms from a website or information on a social networking service (SNS) that the pre-switching cloud platform 201 has recovered from a failure, the user issues an instruction to switch the collaboration destination to the pre-switching cloud platform 201 via the post-switching cloud platform 202. When the selection unit 102 receives the instruction to switch, it selects the cloud platform 201 as the collaboration destination in accordance with the instruction.

[0053] When the cloud platform to be linked is switched, the selection unit 102 notifies the application processing unit 101 of information indicating the cloud platform to be linked after the switch. The notified information includes identification information of the cloud platform to be linked, authentication information required for linkage, permission information, etc.

[0054] However, the sub-application program to be executed may differ for each linked cloud platform, or the container to be executed may differ for each linked cloud platform, as a method of realizing the application processing unit 101. Therefore, the information notified to the application processing unit 101 by the selection unit 102 is not limited to the setting information, and may further include information required for the application processing unit 101 to link with the switching destination cloud platform.

[0055] The application processing unit 101 may manage information necessary for collaboration using the storage unit 121, etc. For example, the application processing unit 101 may store, for each cloud platform to be collaborated with, i.e., for each of the cloud platforms 201 and 202, the names of sub-application programs to be executed, sub-application program settings, container names, container settings, etc.

[0056] In this way, the application processing unit 101 connects to the cloud platform selected (switched) by the selection unit 102 using the notified identification information and authentication information, and communicates with the connected cloud platform in accordance with the notified permission information.

[0057] The application processing unit 101 may perform a predetermined type of communication with some or all of the multiple cloud platforms, including the cloud platform that is not selected. The predetermined type of communication is, for example, communication for transmitting the current operating status of the edge terminal 100. The operating status includes, for example, information indicating the currently connected cloud platform. The cloud platform that receives the operating status can, for example, transmit to the edge terminal 100 an instruction to switch the collaboration destination depending on the operating status.

[0058] Each of the above units (application processing unit 101 and selection unit 102) is realized, for example, by one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be realized by having a processor such as a CPU execute a program, i.e., by software. Each of the above units may be realized by a processor such as a dedicated IC (Integrated Circuit), i.e., by hardware. Each of the above units may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may realize one of the units, or may realize two or more of the units.

[0059] Next, a description will be given of communication processing by the edge terminal 100. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of communication processing in the first embodiment.

[0060] The selection unit 102 selects a preferred cloud platform based on the priority. For example, the selection unit 102 selects the cloud platform with the highest priority. The application processing unit 101 starts cooperation with the selected (preferred) cloud platform (step S101). The application processing unit 101 monitors the state of communication with the cooperated cloud platform (step S102). The application processing unit 101 determines whether a failure has occurred in communication with the cooperated cloud platform (step S103).

[0061] If no failure has occurred (step S103: No), the process returns to step S102, and communication with the linked cloud platform continues.

[0062] If a failure occurs (step S103: Yes), the selection unit 102 selects the next-highest priority cloud platform based on the priority (step S104). The application processing unit 101 starts cooperation with the selected cloud platform (step S105). After that, the process returns to step S102, and communication with the switched cooperation destination cloud platform continues.

[0063] In this way, in the first embodiment, when the edge terminal 100 is unable to communicate with the cloud platform as a collaboration partner, it can switch to an alternative cloud platform as a collaboration partner. This prevents interruptions in services using the cloud platform, and allows the edge terminal 100 to continue executing applications.

[0064] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the edge terminal connects to the cloud platform by a communication method or a network that differs for each cloud platform that is the cooperation destination.

[0065] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an edge terminal 100-2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the edge terminal 100-2 includes communication units 111-2a and 111-2b, an application processing unit 101-2, a selection unit 102, and a storage unit 121.

[0066] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes multiple communication units 111-2a and 111-2b and in the function of the application processing unit 101-2. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in Fig. 3, which is a block diagram of the edge terminal 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used and the description here will be omitted.

[0067] The communication unit 111-2a is a communication unit used for communication with the cloud platform 201. The communication unit 111-2b is a communication unit used for communication with the cloud platform 202.

[0068] The application processing unit 101-2 differs from the application processing unit 101 of the first embodiment in that it uses a communication unit 111-2a when communicating with the cloud platform 201 and a communication unit 111-2b when communicating with the cloud platform 202.

[0069] An error that has occurred in communication unit 111-2a and an error that has occurred in communication unit 111-2b are notified to selection unit 102 via application processing unit 101-2. Selection unit 102 switches the cloud platform to be linked in accordance with the setting information stored in storage unit 121.

[0070] It should be noted that the edge terminal 100-2 does not always need to include both the multiple communication units 111-2a and 111-2b. For example, one of the communication units (assumed to be the communication unit 111-2b) may be in the form of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) dongle and may be connected to the edge terminal 100-2 as needed. In such a case, the edge terminal 100-2 does not need to include the communication unit 111-2b for communicating with the cloud platform 202 while linked with the cloud platform 201.

[0071] Assume that a failure occurs in communication between edge terminal 100-2 and cloud platform 201, and selection unit 102 determines that it is necessary to switch to cloud platform 202. In such a case, for example, a user interface such as a display device (such as a monitor), an audio output device (such as a speaker), or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) connected to edge terminal 100-2 is used to notify users near edge terminal 100-2 that it is necessary to switch to the cloud platform.

[0072] When the user connects the communication unit 111-2b to the edge terminal 100-2 in response to the notification, the application processing unit 101-2 starts cooperation with the cloud platform 202, and the switch from the cloud platform 201 to the cloud platform 202 is completed.

[0073] The flow of the communication process in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In this way, the communication device according to the second embodiment can achieve the same functions as the first embodiment with a configuration using multiple communication units.

[0075] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, an edge terminal is connected to one or more other edge terminals and operates as a gateway for the other edge terminals. Hereinafter, the other edge terminals that are the targets of the edge terminal operating as a gateway are referred to as child edge terminals.

[0076] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 10-3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication system 10-3 includes an edge terminal 100-3, child edge terminals 300-3a, 300-3b, and 300-3c, a communication device 150, and cloud platforms 201 and 202.

[0077] When there is no need to distinguish between the child edge terminals 300-3a, 300-3b, and 300-3c, they are simply referred to as child edge terminal 300-3. The number of child edge terminals 300-3 is not limited to three, and may be one, two, four, or more.

[0078] It is assumed that the child edge terminal 300-3 cannot directly cooperate with the cloud platforms 201 and 202. Being able to directly cooperate means that the necessary security processing can be completed with the cloud platforms and data can be sent and received without performing data conversion or the like. Because the child edge terminal 300-3 cannot directly cooperate, without the mediation of the edge terminal 100-3 operating as a gateway, data from the child edge terminal 300-3 cannot be sent to the cloud platforms 201 and 202, and instructions to the child edge terminal 300-3 cannot be received from the cloud platforms. Note that there may be multiple terminals connected beyond the child edge terminal 300-3.

[0079] For example, the child edge terminal 300-3 is a temperature sensor and devices (air conditioners, blinds, lighting, etc.) that are subject to control in accordance with sensor data from the temperature sensor. The edge terminal 100-3 is a relay device for transmitting and receiving sensor data and instructions from the cloud platforms 201 and 202.

[0080] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an edge terminal 100-3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the edge terminal 100-3 includes communication units 111 and 111-3b, an application processing unit 101-3, a selection unit 102, and a storage unit 121.

[0081] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a communication unit 111-3b is added and the function of the application processing unit 101-3 is different. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in Fig. 3, which is a block diagram of the edge terminal 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used and the description here will be omitted.

[0082] 8 can be interpreted as an example in which a communication unit 111-3b is added based on the first embodiment. It may also be configured to add a communication unit 111-3b based on a configuration including a plurality of communication units as in the second embodiment.

[0083] The communication unit 111-3b is a communication unit that communicates with the child edge terminal 300-3. The application processing unit 101-3 differs from the application processing unit 101 of the first embodiment in that the application processing unit 101-3 uses the communication unit 111 when communicating with the cloud platform 201 and uses the communication unit 111-3b when communicating with the child edge terminal 300-3.

[0084] For example, the application processing unit 101-3 transmits data collected from the child edge terminal 300-3 to one of the cloud platforms 201 and 202 selected as the collaboration destination using the communication unit 111. Furthermore, when an instruction to the child edge terminal 300-3 is transmitted from the cloud platforms 201 and 202, the application processing unit 101-3 transmits the received instruction to the destination child edge terminal 300-3 using the communication unit 111-3b.

[0085] The flow of the communication process in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In this way, in the third embodiment, the same functions as in the first embodiment can be realized in a configuration in which an edge terminal operates as a gateway for other edge terminals.

[0087] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the servers to be linked include not only a cloud platform but also an on-premise server. The on-premise server is, for example, a server installed in the same local area network as the edge terminal and managed by the same management entity as the edge terminal.

[0088] In this embodiment, if the edge terminal cannot cooperate with any server, the edge terminal can switch to independent operation, which means that the edge terminal itself executes application processing such as collecting data and outputting the collected data instead of the server.

[0089] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 10-4 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication system 10-4 includes an edge terminal 100-4, an on-premise server 401-4, a communication device 150, and cloud platforms 201 and 202.

[0090] The edge terminal 100-4 and the on-premise server 401-4 are installed within a local area network 400-4.

[0091] Similar to the cloud platforms 201 and 202, the on-premise server 401-4 may have at least one of a user interface function and an external cooperation interface function.

[0092] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an edge terminal 100-4 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the edge terminal 100-4 includes a communication unit 111-4, an application processing unit 101-4, a selection unit 102-4, a storage unit 121, an output control unit 103-4, and a display unit 122-4.

[0093] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the functions of a communication unit 111-4, an application processing unit 101-4, and a selection unit 102-4 are added, and an output control unit 103-4 and a display unit 122-4 are added. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in Fig. 3, which is a block diagram of the edge terminal 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used and the description here will be omitted.

[0094] 108 can be interpreted as an example in which on-premise server 401-4 is added based on the first embodiment. It may also be configured to add on-premise server 401-4 based on the second or third embodiment.

[0095] Communication unit 111-4 differs from communication unit 111 of the first embodiment in that communication unit 111-4 also communicates with on-premise server 401-4.

[0096] Selector 102-4 differs from selector 102 of the first embodiment in that selector 102-4 selects a partner from a plurality of servers including on-premise server 401-4 and that autonomous operation is selectable. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information referenced by selector 102-4.

[0097] 11, the setting information of the on-premise server 401-4 and the setting information for autonomous operation are added as the setting information with the third and fourth priorities. For example, in the case of the on-premise server 401-4, the identification information (edge ​​ID) and password of the edge terminal 100-4 are stored as the edge authentication information.

[0098] 10, the selection unit 102-4 selects a server to be linked with and determines whether to operate autonomously by referencing the setting information as shown in FIG. 11. For example, when the selection unit 102-4 detects a failure in communication with a linked cloud platform, the selection unit 102-4 switches the linkage to the on-premise server 401-4 in accordance with the priority. Furthermore, when the edge terminal 100-4 cannot communicate with all the cloud platforms and the on-premise server 401-4, the selection unit 102-4 switches to autonomous operation.

[0099] When the on-premise server 401-4 is selected, the application processing unit 101-4 executes application processing between the on-premise server 401-4 and the on-premise server 401-4. When the independent operation is selected, the application processing unit 101-4 executes application processing so as to achieve the independent operation.

[0100] The display unit 122-4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various types of information.

[0101] The output control unit 103-4 controls the output of various types of information by the edge terminal 100-4. For example, the output control unit 103-4 controls the display of information on the display unit 122-4. For example, the output control unit 103-4 outputs output information including the status of communication with multiple servers (cloud platforms 201, 202, on-premise server 401-4) to the display unit 122-4. In the case of autonomous operation, the output control unit 103-4 may display a screen on the display unit 122-4 for selecting a server to cooperate with. This allows the user to switch from autonomous operation to a state in which cooperation with a server is performed.

[0102] The output control unit 103-4 may output at least one of the output information and the screen only during the independent operation, or may output the output information and the screen during other times as well.

[0103] The flow of the communication process in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, not only the cloud platform but also a server (on-premise server) built in a local area network can be selected as a collaboration destination. Furthermore, if connection to any server is not possible, the edge terminal can switch to independent operation in which it itself executes application processing.

[0105] As described above, according to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to prevent the suspension of services using a server.

[0106] Next, a hardware configuration of a communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment.

[0107] The communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU 51, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 or a RAM 53, a communication I / F 54 that connects to a network and communicates, and a bus 61 that connects each part.

[0108] The programs executed by the communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment are provided in advance in the ROM 52 or the like.

[0109] The program executed by the communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment may be configured to be provided as a computer program product by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0110] Furthermore, the program executed by the communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the program executed by the communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0111] The program executed by the communication device according to the first or fourth embodiment can cause a computer to function as each unit of the communication device described above. In this computer, the CPU 51 can read the program from a computer-readable storage medium onto a main storage device and execute the program.

[0112] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10, 10-3, 10-4 Communication Systems 100, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 Edge terminal 101, 101-2, 101-3, 101-4 Application processing unit 102, 102-4 Selection section 103-4 Output control section 111, 111-2a, 111-2b, 111-3b, 111-4 Communication Department 121 Storage section 122-4 Display section 150 Communication equipment 201, 202 Cloud Platform 300-3a, 300-3b, 300-3c Child edge terminals 400-4 Local Area Network 401-4 On-premise server

Claims

1. A communication device, a storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of servers, setting information including identification information of the server, authentication information used for connection with the server, permission information indicating communication permitted with the server, and priority; a selection unit that selects a first server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority; an application processing unit that performs communication with the first server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information in accordance with the permission information for the first server, the setting information further includes permission information indicating a function permitted when the communication device executes application processing on behalf of the plurality of servers, and a priority; the selection unit further selects that the communication device executes the application process based on the priority; the application processing unit executes the application processing when execution of the application processing is selected; Communication equipment.

2. the selection unit, when a failure in communication with the first server is detected, selects a second server other than the first server from among the plurality of servers; the application processing unit performs communication with the second server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information of the second server in accordance with the permission information for the second server; The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the setting information further includes a condition for detecting a communication failure; the selection unit selects the second server when the condition included in the setting information of the first server is satisfied. The communication device according to claim 2 .

4. the selection unit selects the first server when receiving an instruction to switch to the first server from the second server; the application processing unit performs communication with the first server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information of the first server in accordance with the permission information for the first server; The communication device according to claim 2 .

5. the application processing unit performs communication with some or all of the plurality of servers to transmit the operation status of the communication device, and performs communication with only the first server in accordance with the permission information; The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. The plurality of servers includes an on-premise server managed by the same management entity as the communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

7. An output control unit that controls a process of outputting output information including the status of communication with the plurality of servers, The communication device according to claim 1 .

8. 1. A communication method performed in a communication device, comprising: a selection step of selecting a first server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority stored in a storage unit that stores setting information including, for each of the plurality of servers, identification information of the server, authentication information used for connection with the server, permission information indicating communication permitted with the server, and priority; an application processing step of performing communication with the first server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information in accordance with the permission information for the first server, the setting information further includes permission information indicating a function permitted when the communication device executes application processing on behalf of the plurality of servers, and a priority; The selecting step further includes selecting the application process to be executed by the communication device based on the priority; the application processing step executes the application processing when execution of the application processing is selected; Communication method.

9. A computer provided in a communication device, a selection step of selecting a first server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority stored in a storage unit that stores setting information including, for each of the plurality of servers, identification information of the server, authentication information used for connection with the server, permission information indicating communication permitted with the server, and priority; an application processing step of performing communication with the first server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information in accordance with the permission information for the first server; the setting information further includes permission information indicating a function permitted when the communication device executes application processing on behalf of the plurality of servers, and a priority; The selecting step further includes selecting the application process to be executed by the communication device based on the priority; the application processing step executes the application processing when execution of the application processing is selected; program.

10. A communication device, a storage unit that stores, for each of one or more servers, configuration information including identification information of the server, authentication information used to connect to the server, permission information indicating communication permitted between the server and the server, and a priority; a selection unit that selects a first server from the one or more servers based on the priority; an application processing unit that performs communication with the first server connected based on the identification information and the authentication information in accordance with the permission information for the first server, the setting information further includes permission information indicating a function permitted when the communication device executes an application process on behalf of one or more of the servers, and a priority; the selection unit further selects that the communication device executes the application process based on the priority; the application processing unit executes the application processing when execution of the application processing is selected; Communication equipment.

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