State transition management device, state transition management method, and state transition management program

Abstract

When the accepted state transition rule is a rule for registration, the rule registration unit (112) sets the first version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions in the rule for registration, and registers the rule for registration after the setting in the rule storage unit. When the accepted state transition rule is a rule for update, the rule registration unit (112) selects a state transition rule of the same type as the rule for update from the rule storage unit, adds each of the state transitions of the one or more state transitions of the rule for update that do not exist in the selected state transition rule to the selected state transition rule, and sets the version number next to the latest version number in the selected state transition rule as an event for each of the one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to state transition definitions and state management. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for product traceability management in product distribution. In product traceability management, the product status is registered, such as "manufacturing," "storage," or "transport." By verifying whether the state transition complies with predetermined rules when registering a state, it is possible to prevent the registration of an incorrect state.

[0003] Many businesses are involved in the distribution of a product, so it is necessary to consider changing the version of the state transition specification at the start of the state transition or while the state transition is in progress.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for controlling a workflow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-310710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The method of Patent Document 1 is a method for workflow control, not a method for managing state transitions in product distribution. Furthermore, the method of Patent Document 1 does not perform version management. Even if the method of Patent Document 1 is applied to state transitions, it is not possible to add or delete states depending on the version. Furthermore, it is not possible to change the version while a state transition is in progress.

[0007] In product distribution, state transitions related to objects are managed. While it is possible to restart a workflow from the beginning midway, restarting product distribution from the beginning midway is difficult. Therefore, in product distribution, the inability to change versions while a state transition is in progress is an issue.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to enable version changes while a state transition is in progress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The state transition management device of the present disclosure includes: a receiving unit that receives a state transition rule that indicates a series of state transitions; The system is provided with a rule registration unit that, if the accepted state transition rule is a registration rule, sets the first version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions in the series of state transitions, and registers the registration rule after setting in a rule storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a version number can be set as an event for each state transition in the state transition rule. By using such a state transition rule, the user can change the version of the state transition by specifying the version number of the state transition they want to use for each state registered during the progress of the state transition. In other words, it is possible to change the version while the state transition is in progress. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a state transition management device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a state transition management system 200 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a regulation registration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a registration rule 201 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart of step S110 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of step S110 in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of step S110 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of a status registration process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of step S130 in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of step S130 in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of step S124 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of step S140 in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of step S140 in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of step S127 in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a state transition management system 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of status registration A in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of status registration B in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a state transition management device 100 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the embodiments and drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Arrows in the drawings primarily indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0013] Embodiment 1 The state transition management device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of the state transition management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The state transition management device 100 is a computer that includes hardware such as a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication device 104, and an input / output interface 105. These pieces of hardware are connected to one another via signal lines.

[0015] The processor 101 is an IC that performs arithmetic processing and controls other hardware. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit.

[0016] The memory 102 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The memory 102 is also called a primary storage device or a main memory. For example, the memory 102 is a RAM. Data stored in the memory 102 is saved in the secondary storage device 103 as needed. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0017] The auxiliary storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 is a ROM, a HDD, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 is loaded into the memory 102 as needed. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0018] The communication device 104 is a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the communication device 104 is a communication chip or an NIC. Communication of the state transition management device 100 is performed using the communication device 104. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0019] The input / output interface 105 is a port to which an input device and an output device are connected. For example, the input / output interface 105 is a USB terminal, the input device is a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device is a display. Input and output of the state transition management device 100 is performed using the input / output interface 105. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0020] The state transition management device 100 comprises elements such as a reception unit 111, a rule registration unit 112, a state verification unit 113, a state registration unit 114, and an output unit 115. These elements are realized by software.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores a state transition management program for causing the computer to function as a reception unit 111, a rule registration unit 112, a state verification unit 113, a state registration unit 114, and an output unit 115. The state transition management program is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 also stores an OS. At least a part of the OS is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The processor 101 executes a state transition management program while running the OS. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0022] Input and output data of the state transition management program is stored in the storage unit 120 . The auxiliary storage device 103 functions as the storage unit 120. However, a storage device such as the memory 102, a register in the processor 101, or a cache memory in the processor 101 may function as the storage unit 120 instead of or together with the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0023] The state transition management program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable manner on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disk or a flash memory.

[0024] The configuration of the state transition management system 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The state transition management system 200 includes the state transition management device 100 , a regulation transmission device 211 , a state transmission device 212 , and a result display device 213 . The definition transmission device 211, the status transmission device 212, and the result display device 213 are computers used by the user. One computer may function as the definition transmission device 211, the status transmission device 212, and the result display device 213. The regulation storage unit 121 and the state storage unit 122 are part of the storage unit 120 .

[0025] ***Explanation of Operation*** The operation procedure of state transition management device 100 corresponds to a state transition management method, and also corresponds to a processing procedure according to a state transition management program.

[0026] The provision registration will be explained based on Fig. 3. The provision registration is a part of the state transition management method. In step S101, the receiving unit 111 receives the regulating information. The regulation information indicates the regulation type and the state transition regulation. The rule type is the type of state transition rule. The state transition rule indicates a series of state transitions from the initial state to the final state. A series of state transitions includes one or more state transitions. A state transition is a transition between two states. A state transition is triggered by a specific event.

[0027] The following information is accepted: The user inputs the regulation information into the regulation transmission device 211 . The regulation transmission device 211 transmits the input regulation information to the state transition management device 100 . The receiving unit 111 receives the transmitted regulating information.

[0028] In step S102, the regulation registration unit 112 receives the regulation information from the reception unit 111 and determines the regulation purpose. The regulation purpose means the purpose of the regulation information. There are two types of prescribed uses: prescribed registration and prescribed renewal. In the rule registration, the rule information is registered in the rule storage unit 121 . In the rule update, the rule information is used to update the registered rules. The registered rules are state transition rules registered in the rule storage unit 121.

[0029] The prescribed use is determined as follows: The user can specify a prescribed use. The specified prescribed use is indicated in the prescribed information. When the prescribed use is indicated in the prescribed information, the prescribed registration unit 112 determines the prescribed use by referring to the prescribed information. The rule registration unit 112 searches the rule storage unit 121 for a registered rule of the same type as the rule type in the rule information. If no rule is found, the rule registration unit 112 determines that the rule use is rule registration. If found, the rule registration unit 112 determines that the rule use is rule update.

[0030] If the prescribed use is prescribed registration, the process proceeds to step S103. In this case, the state transition regulations in the prescribed information are referred to as registration regulations. If the rule use is rule update, the process proceeds to step S 105. In this case, the state transition rule in the rule information is called an update rule.

[0031] In step S103, the rule registration unit 112 sets the first version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions in the registration rule.

[0032] A specific example of step S103 will be described with reference to FIG. Registration rule 201 is an example of a registration rule. "S" indicates the start of a series of state transitions. "E" indicates the completion of a series of state transitions. In the registration rule 201, the initial state is state a and the final state is state c. The series of state transitions in the registration rule 201 includes a state transition from state a to state b and a state transition from state b to state c. The rule registration unit 112 assigns a version number v1 to each state transition in the series of state transitions. "v1" is the first version number.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 3, the description continues from step S104. In step S104, the registration rule 201 registers the registration rule to which the first version number is set in the rule storage unit 121 together with the rule type in the rule information. After step S104, the process ends.

[0034] In the rule storage unit 121, the registered rules may be in any format as long as the format specifies the rule type, version number, one or more states, and transitions between states.

[0035] In step S105, the rule registration unit 112 selects from the rule storage unit 121 a registered rule of the same type as the rule type in the rule information.

[0036] In step S110, the rule registration unit 112 adds, to the selected registered rule, each of the state transitions among one or more state transitions in the update rule that do not exist in the selected registered rule. Then, the rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number as an event for each of the relevant transitions in the selected registered rule. The relevant transition is a state transition that corresponds to a state transition in the update specification. The next version number means the version number following the most recent version number in the registered specification. After step S110, the process ends.

[0037] Step S110 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The registered rule selected in step S105 is referred to as a selected rule.

[0038] In step S111, the rule registration unit 112 refers to the selection rule and identifies the latest version number in the selection rule. Then, the rule registration unit 112 identifies the next version number based on the latest version number. For example, the rule registration unit 112 specifies the latest version number plus 1 as the next version number.

[0039] In step S112, the rule registration unit 112 selects one unselected state in order from the first state in the update rule. The selected state is referred to as the selected state.

[0040] In step S113, the rule registration unit 112 determines whether the selected state exists in the selection rules. If the selected state exists in the selection policy, the process proceeds to step S115. If the selected state does not exist in the selection policy, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0041] In step S114, the rule registration unit 112 adds the selected state to the selection rules. If the selected state is the leading state, the rule registration unit 112 adds the selected state as the leading state to the selection rules. If the selected state is the second or subsequent state, the rule registration unit 112 adds the selected state to the selection rule as the state next to the previous state. If the selected state is the final state, the rule registration unit 112 adds the selected state as the final state to the selection rule.

[0042] In step S115, the rule registration unit 112 refers to the update rule to identify a state transition to the selected state. The identified state transition is referred to as a target transition. Then, the rule registration unit 112 refers to the selection rule and determines whether the target transition exists in the selection rule. If the target transition exists in the selection rule, the process proceeds to step S117. If the target transition does not exist in the selection rule, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0043] In step S116, the rule registration unit 112 adds the target transition to the selection rule.

[0044] In step S117, the rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number as an event in the target transition in the selected rule.

[0045] In step S118, the rule registration unit 112 determines whether there is an unselected state in the update rules. If there is an unselected state, the process proceeds to step S112. If there are no unselected states, the process ends.

[0046] A specific example of step S110 will be described with reference to FIG. Update rule 202 is an example of an update rule. Registered rule 203 is an example of a registered rule of the same type as update rule 202. The latest version number in the registered specification 203 is v2. The next version number after the latest version number v2 is v3. (1) The start state a of the update rule 202 exists in the registered rule 203. The rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number v3 to the state transition from the start to the state a in the registered rule 203. (2) The second state b of the update rule 202 exists in the registered rule 203. The state transition from state a to state b in the update rule 202 exists in the registered rule 203. The rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number v3 to the state transition from state a to state b in the registered rule 203. (3) The third state d in the update rule 202 does not exist in the registered rule 203. The rule registration unit 112 adds the state d to the registered rule 203, and adds the state transition from state b to state d to the registered rule 203. Then, the rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number v3 to the state transition from state b to state d in the registered rule 203. (4) The final state c in the update rule 202 exists in the registered rule 203. The state transition from state d to state c in the update rule 202 does not exist in the registered rule 203. The rule registration unit 112 adds the state transition from state d to state c to the registered rule 203. Then, the rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number v3 to the state transition from state d to state c in the registered rule 203. (5) The rule registration unit 112 sets the next version number v3 to the state transition from state c to completion in the registered rule 203.

[0047] State registration will be explained based on Fig. 8. State registration is a part of the state transition management method. In step S121, the receiving unit 111 receives the state information. The state information indicates the new state.

[0048] Status information is accepted as follows: The user inputs status information into the status transmitter 212 . The state transmission device 212 transmits the input state information to the state transition management device 100 . The receiving unit 111 receives the transmitted status information.

[0049] In step S122, the status registration unit 114 receives the status information from the reception unit 111 and determines the status use. The status use means the use of the status information. There are two types of status usage: status registration and status update. The state information for state registration is called “state registration information.” The state registration information is registered in the state saving unit 122. The state information for state update is called state update information. The state update information is used to update the registered state information. The registered state information is state information registered in the state storage unit 122.

[0050] The status usage is determined as follows: The user can specify the status use. The specified status use is indicated in the status information. When the status use is indicated in the status information, the status registration unit 114 determines the status use by referring to the status information. If the status use is status registration, the user specifies a prescribed type. The specified prescribed type is indicated in the status information. If the prescribed type is indicated in the status information, the status registration unit 114 determines that the status use is status registration. If the status use is status update, the user specifies a registration status identifier. The specified registration status identifier is indicated in the status information. If the registration status identifier is indicated in the status information, the status registration unit 114 determines that the status use is status update. If the registration status identifier is not indicated in the status information, the status registration unit 114 can determine that the status use is status registration.

[0051] If the status use is status registration, the process proceeds to step S130. If the status use is status update, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0052] In step S130, the status verification unit 113 receives the status registration information from the status registration unit 114 and verifies the status registration information.

[0053] Step S130 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S131, the state verification unit 113 selects a registered rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from the rule storage unit 121. The selected registered rule is referred to as a selected rule.

[0054] In step S132, the state verification unit 113 identifies a version number based on the state registration information. The identified version number is referred to as an identification number.

[0055] The specific number is specified as follows: The user can specify a version number. The specified version number is indicated in the status registration information. If a version number is indicated in the status registration information, the status verification unit 113 identifies the version number indicated in the status registration information as the specific number. If a version number is not indicated in the status registration information, the status verification unit 113 identifies the latest version number in the selection rules as the specific number.

[0056] In step S133, the state verification unit 113 selects one or more state transitions to which a specific number is set from the selection rule. Next, the state verification unit 113 selects the leading state from among the one or more selected state transitions. Then, the state verification unit 113 compares the new state in the state registration information with the selected top state.

[0057] If the new state in the state registration information matches the selected top state, the process proceeds to step S134. If the new state in the state registration information does not match the selected top state, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0058] In step S134, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state can be registered. Then, the state verification unit 113 outputs the verification result indicating information that the state can be registered and the identification number.

[0059] In step S135, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state cannot be registered. Then, the state verification unit 113 outputs a verification result indicating that the state cannot be registered.

[0060] A specific example of step S130 will be described with reference to FIG. Status registration information 204 is an example of status registration information. The registered rule 203 is a registered rule of the same rule type as the rule type α in the status registration information 204 . (1) The version number is not indicated in the state registration information 204. The latest version number in the registered rules 203 is v3. In the registered rules 203, the initial state of the version number v3 is state a. The initial state a of the version number v3 matches the new state a in the state registration information 204. In this case, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state can be registered. (2) The version number in state registration information 204 is v1. In registered rules 203, the initial state of version number v1 is state a. The initial state a of version number v1 matches the new state a in state registration information 204. In this case, state verification unit 113 determines that state registration is possible. (3) The version number in state registration information 204 is v3. In registered rules 203, the initial state of version number v3 is state a. The initial state a of version number v3 does not match the new state w in state registration information 204. In this case, state verification unit 113 determines that state registration is not possible.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 8, the explanation will be continued. After step S130, the process proceeds to step S123.

[0062] In step S123, state registration unit 114 receives the verification result from state verification unit 113, and determines whether state registration is possible by referring to the verification result. If the status can be registered, the process proceeds to step S124. If the status cannot be registered, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0063] In step S124, the state registration unit 114 generates a new registration state identifier. The new registration state identifier is a registration state identifier that does not exist in the state saving unit 122. Then, the state registration unit 114 generates new registered state information based on the state registration information, and registers the new registered state information in the state saving unit 122. The new registration status information indicates a new registration status identifier, a new status in the status registration information, a specified type in the status registration information, and a version number in the verification result.

[0064] A specific example of step S124 will be described with reference to FIG. The registration status information 205 has an ID column, a status column, a prescribed type column, a Ver. number column, and a latest column. The ID column indicates the registration status identifier. The status column indicates the status. The regulation type column indicates the regulation type. The Ver. No. column indicates the version number. The latest column indicates whether the status in the status column is the latest status.

[0065] The state registration unit 114 generates the registration state information 205 for ID001 and registers the registration state information 205 for ID001 in the state saving unit 122.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 8, step S125 will be described. In step S125, the output unit 115 receives the registration result from the state registration unit 114 and outputs the registration result. If it is determined in step S123 that the status can be registered, the registration result indicates information that registration is complete and a registration status identifier. If it is determined in step S123 that the status cannot be registered, the registration result indicates information indicating a registration error and the verification result.

[0067] Specifically, the output unit 115 transmits the registration result to the result display device 213. The result display device 213 receives the registration result and displays it on a display. The user checks the displayed registration result.

[0068] After step S125, the process ends.

[0069] The description continues from step S140. In step S140, the state verification unit 113 receives the state update information from the state registration unit 114 and verifies the state update information.

[0070] Step S140 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S141, the state verification unit 113 selects registration state information with the same registration state identifier as the registration state identifier in the state update information from the state storage unit 122. The state shown in the state column of the selected registration state information is the latest state. The selected registration state information is called selected state information.

[0071] If the state storage unit 122 does not contain any registration state information with the same registration state identifier as the registration state identifier in the state update information, the state verification unit 113 outputs a verification result indicating that the state cannot be registered because the corresponding registration state information does not exist, and the process then ends.

[0072] In step S142, the state verification unit 113 selects a registered rule of the same type as the rule type in the selection state information from the rule storage unit 121. The selected registered rule is referred to as a selected rule.

[0073] In step S143, the state verification unit 113 identifies a version number based on the state update information. The identified version number is referred to as an identification number.

[0074] The specific number is specified as follows: The user can specify a version number. The specified version number is indicated in the status update information. If a version number is indicated in the status update information, the status verification unit 113 identifies the version number indicated in the status update information as the specific number. If a version number is not indicated in the status update information, the status verification unit 113 identifies the version number in the selected status information as the specific number.

[0075] In step S144, the state transition from the latest state in the selection state information to the new state in the state update information is referred to as a new state transition. First, the state verification unit 113 selects a state transition for which a specific number is set from the selection rule. The state verification unit 113 then compares the new state transition with each of the selected state transitions.

[0076] If the new state transition matches any of the selected state transitions, the process proceeds to step S145. If the new state transition does not match any of the selected state transitions, the process proceeds to step S146.

[0077] In step S145, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state can be registered. Then, the state verification unit 113 outputs the information that the state can be registered and the verification result indicating the specified type and the specific number in the selected state information.

[0078] In step S146, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state cannot be registered. Then, the state verification unit 113 outputs a verification result indicating that the state cannot be registered.

[0079] A specific example of step S140 will be described with reference to FIG. Status update information 206 is an example of status update information. The registration state information 205 is the registration state information with the same registration state identifier as the registration state identifier 001 in the state update information 206 . The registered rule 203 is a registered rule of the same rule type as the rule type α in the registration status information 205 . (1) The version number is not indicated in the state update information 206. The version number in the selected state information is v1. The state transition from the latest state b in the registered state information 205 to the new state d in the state update information 206 is the new state transition. The new state transition (b → d) does not match any of the state transitions with version number v1 in the registered rules 203. In this case, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state cannot be registered. (2) The version number in the status update information 206 is v3. The new status transition is the state transition from the latest status b in the registered status information 205 to the new status d in the status update information 206. The new status transition (b → d) matches the status transition (b → d) of version v3 in the registered rule 203. In this case, the status verification unit 113 determines that the status can be registered. (3) The version number in the state update information 206 is v3. The state transition from the latest state b in the registered state information 205 to the new state w in the state update information 206 is the new state transition. The new state transition (b → w) does not match any of the state transitions with version number v3 in the registered rules 203. In this case, the state verification unit 113 determines that the state cannot be registered.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 8, the explanation will be continued. After step S140, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0081] In step S126, state registration unit 114 receives the verification result from state verification unit 113, and determines whether the state can be updated by referring to the verification result. If the status can be updated, the process proceeds to step S127. If the status cannot be updated, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0082] In step S127, based on the state update information, state registration section 114 updates the registration state information having the same registration state identifier as the registration state identifier in the state update information.

[0083] Specifically, the state registration unit 114 generates new registered state information based on the state update information, and adds the new registered state information to the state saving unit 122 . The new registration status information indicates the registration status identifier in the status update information, the new status in the status update information, the specified type in the verification result, and the version number in the verification result.

[0084] A specific example of step S127 will be described with reference to FIG. The status registration unit 114 generates new registration status information 205 for ID001 and adds the new registration status information 205 for ID001 to the status storage unit 122. The status registration unit 114 changes the information in the latest column of the previously registered status information 205 of ID001 to information indicating that the status in the status column is not the latest status. As a result, the registration status information 205 for ID001 is updated.

[0085] The registered state information 205 of ID001 indicates the previous state a and the latest state c. The previous state a and the latest state c have different version numbers for the state transition. The version number of a state transition may be the same for all states, or may be different for each state. In other words, the user can specify a different version number for each state registration.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 8, step S128 will be described. In step S128, the output unit 115 receives the update result from the state registration unit 114 and outputs the update result. If it is determined in step S126 that the status can be updated, the update result indicates information that the update is complete and the registered status identifier. If it is determined in step S126 that the status cannot be updated, the update result indicates information indicating an update error and the verification result.

[0087] Specifically, the output unit 115 transmits the update results to the result display device 213. The result display device 213 receives the update results and displays them on a display. The user checks the displayed update results.

[0088] After step S128, the process ends.

[0089] ***Effects of the First Embodiment*** The main features of the first embodiment are the rule registration unit 112 and the state verification unit 113. In particular, a state transition rule in which a version of a state transition is set as an event (action) is registered. Another feature is that when a new state is input, it is confirmed that the new state transition complies with the rule before the new state is registered. Conventionally, it has not been possible to add or remove states depending on the version of the state transition. In the first embodiment, the input state transition rule is added to the registered state transition rule as a new version rule. In other words, the first embodiment has an effect of being able to manage a version of a state transition in which a state has been added or deleted. When a state transition in which a state is added or deleted is managed as a separate state transition specification, the version of the state transition cannot be changed while the state transition is in progress. In the first embodiment, a state transition rule in which a version is set as an event (action) is referenced. Therefore, the first embodiment has an advantage that even if a state transition is in progress, it is possible to check whether the input state complies with the rule by using the state transition of the specified version.

[0090] ***Example of Embodiment 1*** The registered rules and registration state information may be managed by a plurality of state transition management devices 100 that communicate with each other via a network. For example, the registered rules and registration state information are managed using distributed ledger technology or blockchain technology.

[0091] Embodiment 2 The embodiment utilizing a plurality of state transition management devices 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0092] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of the state transition management system 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The state transition management system 200 includes a plurality of state transition management devices (100A, 100B). State transition management device 100A is a private state transition management device 100. State transition management device 100B is a public state transition management device 100. There may be two or more state transition management devices 100A and two or more state transition management devices 100B.

[0093] The state transition information managed by state transition management device 100A is used only by a specific user or a specific system. The state transition information managed by state transition management device 100B is used by an unspecified number of users or other systems.

[0094] ***Explanation of Operation*** The following explains provision registration. The user inputs the registration rule information into state transition management device 100A and state transition management device 100B. The user inputs the provision information for the update provision into state transition management device 100A or state transition management device 100B.

[0095] The operation of state transition management device 100A to which stipulation information has been input is the same as the operation of state transition management device 100 in embodiment 1. The state transition stipulations in the input stipulation information are managed by state transition management device 100A. The operation of state transition management device 100B to which stipulation information has been input is the same as the operation of state transition management device 100 in embodiment 1. The state transition stipulations in the input stipulation information are managed by state transition management device 100B.

[0096] Each state in the state transition rule is marked with whether it can be made public or not. The disclosure option indicates whether the status can be disclosed.

[0097] The registration rules are confirmed in advance to ensure that their contents are correct. For example, all or some of the businesses that use state transition management system 200 confirm in advance that the registration rules are correct state transition rules.

[0098] The status registration will be explained. A user inputs state information into state transition management device 100A. The state information indicates the new state.

[0099] State registration A will be described with reference to Fig. 16. State registration A is state registration in state transition management device 100A.

[0100] In step S121, the receiving unit 111 receives the state information. In step S122, the state registration unit 114 determines the state use. Steps S121 and S122 are as described in the first embodiment. After step S122, the process proceeds to step S201.

[0101] In step S201, the state registration unit 114 determines whether or not the new state can be made public.

[0102] The decision on whether to publish is as follows: The user can specify whether or not to make the data public. The specified public status is indicated in the status information. When the state information indicates whether or not the information is public, the state registration unit 114 determines whether or not the information is public by referring to the state information. If the state information does not indicate whether or not the state can be made public, state registration unit 114 transmits the state information and the use information to state transition management device 100B to inquire whether or not the state can be made public. The use information indicates the use of the state. In state transition management device 100B, state registration unit 114 selects a state transition rule corresponding to the state information according to the state use (similar to S131 or S142). State registration unit 114 selects a state corresponding to the new state from the selected state transition rule and refers to whether or not to publish the selected state. Then, state registration unit 114 responds to state transition management device 100A with whether or not to publish the state.

[0103] If the new state is a non-disclosure state, state transition management device 100A executes verification and registration / update. Specifically, if the state use is state registration, step S130 and steps S123 to S125 are executed, and if the state use is state update, step S140 and steps S126 to S128 are executed. Then, the process ends. If the new state is publicly available, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0104] In step S202, state registration unit 114 transmits the state information and the application information to state transition management device 100B. After step S202, state transition management device 100B executes state registration B, which will be described later, and the process proceeds to step S203.

[0105] In step S203, state registration section 114 receives the processing result (registration result or update result) from state transition management device 100B. If the status use is status registration, the registration result becomes the processing result. If the state usage is a state update, the update result becomes the processing result.

[0106] The explanation of step S203 will be continued. The output unit 115 outputs the processing result (similar to S125 or S128). After step S203, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0107] In step S204, the status registration unit 114 determines the processing result. If the processing result indicates that registration or update is complete, state transition management device 100A executes verification and registration / update, and then the processing ends. If the processing result indicates a registration or update error, the processing ends.

[0108] State registration B will be described with reference to Fig. 17. State registration B is state registration in state transition management device 100B.

[0109] In step S211, state registration unit 114 receives state information and application information from state transition management device 100A. After step S211, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0110] In step S122, the state registration unit 114 determines the state use. Step S122 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0111] After step S122, state transition management device 100B executes verification and registration / update. Specifically, if the state use is state registration, steps S130, S123, and S124 are executed, and if the state use is state update, steps S140, S126, and S127 are executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0112] In step S212, state registration section 114 transmits the processing result (registration result or update result) to state transition management device 100A. After step S212, the process ends.

[0113] ***Effects of the Second Embodiment*** The second embodiment utilizes a plurality of state transition management devices 100. By utilizing multiple state transition management devices 100, for example, multiple operators can each perform state transition management. Specifically, depending on the situation, it is possible to selectively use state transitions that are managed only by a specific operator and state transitions that are jointly managed by multiple operators. This makes it possible to manage shared state transitions while also managing state transitions that are not made public to other operators.

[0114] ***Example of Embodiment 2*** State transition management system 200 may have a function of not registering a new state in state transition management device 100B when the processing result in state transition management device 100A is a registration error or an update error. For example, if the processing result in state transition management device 100A is a registration error or an update error, state registration unit 114 requests state transition management device 100B to delete the new state. In state transition management device 100B, upon receiving the request, state registration unit 114 deletes the registered state information of the new state.

[0115] ***Supplementary explanation of implementation form*** The hardware configuration of the state transition management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The state transition management device 100 includes a processing circuit 109 . The processing circuit 109 is hardware that realizes a reception unit 111 , a rule registration unit 112 , a state verification unit 113 , a state registration unit 114 , and an output unit 115 . The processing circuitry 109 may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor 101 that executes a program stored in memory 102 .

[0116] When processing circuitry 109 is dedicated hardware, processing circuitry 109 may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0117] The state transition management device 100 may include a plurality of processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 109 .

[0118] In the processing circuit 109, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0119] In this way, the functions of the state transition management device 100 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0120] Each embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment may be implemented in part or in combination with other embodiments. Procedures described using flowcharts, etc. may be modified as appropriate.

[0121] The "unit" of each element of the state transition management device 100 may be read as a "process," a "step," a "circuit," or a "circuitry." [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 100 State transition management device, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Auxiliary storage device, 104 Communication device, 105 Input / output interface, 109 Processing circuit, 111 Reception unit, 112 Regulation registration unit, 113 State verification unit, 114 State registration unit, 115 Output unit, 120 Memory unit, 121 Regulation storage unit, 122 State storage unit, 200 State transition management system, 201 Registration regulations, 202 Update regulations, 203 Registered regulations, 204 State registration information, 205 Registered state information, 206 State update information, 211 Regulation transmission device, 212 State transmission device, 213 Result display device.

Claims

1. a reception unit for receiving state transition rules indicating a series of state transitions and state registration information indicating a new state, a rule type, and a version number; a rule registration unit that, when the accepted state transition rule is a rule for registration, sets an initial version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions in the series of state transitions, and registers the set rule for registration in a rule storage unit; a state verification unit that selects a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from the rule storage unit, and determines that state registration is possible when a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which has the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; a state registration unit that registers a new registration state identifier and registration state information indicating the state registration information in a state storage unit when it is determined that the state registration is possible; A state transition management device comprising:

2. the accepting unit accepts state registration information indicating a new state that can be made public; The state registration unit transmits the accepted state registration information to a public state transition management device, and when it is determined that the state registration is possible by both the public state transition management device and the state verification unit, registers the registered state information indicating the accepted state registration information in the state storage unit. The state transition management device according to claim 1 .

3. the receiving unit receives state update information indicating a registration state identifier, a new state, and a version number; the state verification unit selects from the state storage unit registration state information having a registration state identifier that is the same as the registration state identifier in the state update information, selects from the regulation storage unit a state transition regulation of the same type as the regulation type in the selected registration state information, and determines that the state update is possible when a state transition from the latest state in the selected registration state information to the new state in the state update information matches any one of the state transitions in the selected state transition regulation in which a version number that is the same as the version number in the state update information is set, The status registration unit updates the selected registered status information based on the status update information when it is determined that the status update is possible.

3. The state transition management device according to claim 1.

4. The receiving unit receives status update information indicating a new state that can be disclosed; The state registration unit transmits the received state update information to a public state transition management device, and when it is determined that the state update is possible by both the public state transition management device and the state verification unit, updates the registered state information based on the received state update information. The state transition management device according to claim 3 .

5. a reception unit for receiving state registration information indicating a new state, a prescribed type, and a version number; a state verification unit that selects a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from a rule storage unit, and determines that state registration is possible when a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which have the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; a state registration unit that registers a new registration state identifier and registration state information indicating the state registration information in a state storage unit when it is determined that the state registration is possible; A state transition management device comprising:

6. the accepting unit accepts state registration information indicating a new state that can be made public; The state registration unit transmits the accepted state registration information to a public state transition management device, and when it is determined that the state registration is possible by both the public state transition management device and the state verification unit, registers the registered state information indicating the accepted state registration information in the state storage unit. The state transition management device according to claim 5 .

7. the receiving unit receives state update information indicating a registration state identifier, a new state, and a version number; the state verification unit selects from the state storage unit registration state information having a registration state identifier that is the same as the registration state identifier in the state update information, selects from the regulation storage unit a state transition regulation of the same type as the regulation type in the selected registration state information, and determines that the state update is possible when a state transition from the latest state in the selected registration state information to the new state in the state update information matches any one of the state transitions in the selected state transition regulation in which a version number that is the same as the version number in the state update information is set, The status registration unit updates the selected registered status information based on the status update information when it is determined that the status update is possible.

7. The state transition management device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The receiving unit receives status update information indicating a new state that can be disclosed; The state registration unit transmits the received state update information to a public state transition management device, and when it is determined that the state update is possible by both the public state transition management device and the state verification unit, updates the registered state information based on the received state update information. The state transition management device according to claim 7.

9. A state transition specification is received, which indicates a series of state transitions; If the accepted state transition rule is a rule for registration, set an initial version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions in the series of state transitions, and register the set registration rule in a rule storage unit; accepting state registration information indicating a new state, a rule type, and a version number; selecting a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from the rule storage unit, and determining that the state can be registered when a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which has a version number set to the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; When it is determined that the status can be registered, a new registration status identifier and registration status information indicating the status registration information are registered in a status storage unit. State transition management method.

10. accepting state registration information indicating a new state, a rule type, and a version number; selecting a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from a rule storage unit, and determining that the state can be registered when a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which have the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; When it is determined that the status can be registered, a new registration status identifier and registration status information indicating the status registration information are registered in a status storage unit. State transition management method.

11. a reception process for receiving a state transition rule indicating a series of state transitions, and state registration information indicating a new state, a rule type, and a version number; a rule registration process for setting an initial version number as an event for each of one or more state transitions among the series of state transitions when the accepted state transition rule is a rule for registration, and registering the set rule for registration in a rule storage unit; a state verification process for selecting a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from the rule storage unit, and determining that the state can be registered if a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which have the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; a state registration process for registering a new registration state identifier and registration state information indicating the state registration information in a state storage unit when it is determined that the state registration is possible; A state transition management program for causing a computer to execute the above.

12. A reception process for receiving status registration information indicating a new status, a regulation type, and a version number; a state verification process for selecting a state transition rule of the same type as the rule type in the state registration information from a rule storage unit, and determining that the state can be registered if a leading state of one or more state transitions in the selected state transition rule, which have the same version number as the version number in the state registration information, matches the new state in the state registration information; a state registration process for registering a new registration state identifier and registration state information indicating the state registration information in a state storage unit when it is determined that the state registration is possible; A state transition management program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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