JP5157591B2 - Application execution control program, application execution control method, and application execution control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an application execution control program, an application execution control method, and an application execution control device that control the execution of a program to be managed whose license is managed by a license management device connected via a network. The present invention relates to an application execution control program, an application execution control method, and an application execution control apparatus that control execution of a management target program that needs to be licensed.

  Commercial software often restricts licenses for terminals that can use the software. As a method of restricting use, for example, a correspondence relationship between a physical terminal or product key called a dongle or the like and a terminal identifier is fixed. Then, the software can be used only on a terminal corresponding to the dongle or product key, and cannot be used on other terminals. Such a usage restriction method is called a node-locked license or a fixed license. In this usage restriction method, licenses are individually assigned to terminals, and if a terminal is replaced or newly added, a license must be reissued.

  By the way, software used for business in a company needs to be installed in a large number of terminals connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), but the usage opportunities at each terminal are only intermittent. There is. The terminals that use such software simultaneously are only part of the entire terminal. With such software, a license management system called a so-called floating license, flexible license, or the like that limits the number of terminals that can be used simultaneously can be used. In this license management method, it is not necessary to acquire individual licenses for all terminals, and the license acquisition cost can be kept low, and convenience can be improved by unifying license management.

  One of license management methods called floating license and flexible license is a method called network license management. In the network license management system, a special management computer called a license server is installed in the LAN. The license server grasps the operating state of software on the terminal to be managed online. The license server limits the number of terminals on which the software to be managed runs.

  In the network license system, the license server receives from the client a license request including client specific information and a license key. The client specific information is, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the client, the serial number of the hard disk device, or the like. The license server grants a license to the client that has transmitted the correct license key and client specific information. Thereafter, the license server permits the activation of software only to clients having the same unique information using the same license key (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the network license system, the use of software is simultaneously permitted to a plurality of arbitrary terminals as long as the number is within the number limited by the license. Therefore, even when a new terminal is purchased, the software can be executed immediately on the terminal, which is very convenient for managing licenses of a plurality of terminals in a company.

There is also a technique for acquiring license data from a sales management server in advance, and allowing a client to execute software for a fixed time or a fixed number of times based on the license data (for example, Patent Documents). 2).
JP 2004-38247 A JP 2001-306735 A

  In the network license management method, the authorization request and authorization acceptance message are normally exchanged between the client terminal and the license server. Software to be managed can be operated. However, if a failure occurs in the license server, it becomes impossible to run the management target software on all client terminals.

  As a means for solving this problem, for example, a backup license server is always held, and if the license server fails, it can be switched to a backup server for operation. As another countermeasure, a redundant configuration with two license servers (dual servers) is used, and if one license server fails, the license management is performed by the other license server without stopping the network license management system. An operation mode is also possible.

  However, even if a backup server or dual server configuration is adopted, if the communication between the license server and the terminal is interrupted due to a network failure, the managed software cannot be operated on the terminal, It will stop. The suspension of business is the situation that should be avoided most in the operation of the system.

  Further, since backup servers and dual servers use a plurality of computers as servers, extra hardware resources, software resources, and maintenance work are generated. As a result, the license management cost increases.

  In the case of the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, by obtaining the license data, the software can be used for a certain period without connecting to the network. However, if such license management is performed, individual licenses are required for all terminals that may use the software. Then, dynamic license assignment by centralized license management, which is an inherent advantage of the network license method, cannot be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the network license system, application execution control that can use software with appropriate restrictions even in a client whose communication with a license management device is interrupted An object is to provide a program, an application execution control method, and an application execution control apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, an application execution control program is provided. This application execution control program causes a client terminal, which is a computer that executes a management target program managed by a license management apparatus connected via a network, to execute the following processing.

At a predetermined interval, communication with the license management apparatus and acquisition of an authorization response for use of the management target program are attempted.
If the computer cannot communicate with the license management device, the emergency operation includes the emergency operation start date and time of the program to be managed and the operation mode information that can determine whether the computer is in an emergency operation state or a steady operation state. Based on the information, it is determined whether the emergency operation can be started or the emergency operation can be continued.

  If it is determined that the emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, the operation mode information is set so as to exhibit the emergency operation state, and the management target program is operated.

When it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued, the program execution unit is caused to execute the management target program.
Further, when it is determined that neither the emergency operation solution is possible nor the emergency operation can be continued, the program execution unit is prevented from executing the management target program.

  On the other hand, if the client terminal can communicate with the license management device, the operation mode information is set to exhibit a steady operation state, and if the authorization response is received from the license management device, the program execution means executes the management target program, If the authorization response cannot be received from the license management apparatus, the program execution means interrupts the execution of the management target program.

  Even when the authorization response cannot be received from the license management apparatus by such an application execution control program, the execution of the management target program is continued as an emergency operation within the range of the emergency operation enabling condition.

  Also provided is an application execution control method for executing the same processing as a computer that executes the application execution control program. Furthermore, an application execution control device having the same function as a computer that executes the application execution control program is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid that the management target program falls into an unusable state due to a communication failure with the license management apparatus due to a line failure or the like.
In addition, since the backup license server and the dual server that are conventionally used in the network license management system are not required, the equipment cost, the maintenance cost, and the equipment space can be saved.

Hereinafter, an optimal example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment. The client terminal 1 is connected to the license management apparatus 2 via a network. The license management device 2 manages the license of the management target program 1ca.

  The client terminal 1 is provided with application execution control means 1a, storage means 1b, and program execution means 1c. The application execution control unit 1a periodically communicates with the license management device 2 to obtain a license for use of the management target program 1ca. However, there may be a problem in periodic communication with the license management device 2 due to a failure of the license management device 2 or a communication failure on the network. Assuming such a case, an outline of the flow of processing executed by the application execution control unit 1a will be described below. Details of the processing flow of these steps will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, a solid line with an arrow indicates a flow of processing, and a dotted line indicates data reference update.

  [Step S1] The application execution control unit 1a attempts to obtain an authorization response for communication with the license management apparatus 2 and use of the management target program 1ca at predetermined intervals.

  [Step S2] The application execution control unit 1a determines whether or not the communication between the client terminal 1 and the license management apparatus 2 is successful in Step S1, and outputs the approval / denial information when the communication is successful.

  [Step S3] If communication with the license management device 2 is not possible in step S2, the application execution control unit 1a stores the emergency operation start date and time and the operation mode information stored in the storage unit 1b for emergency operation of the management target program. With reference to the operation information 1ba, it is determined whether or not the time point (when it is determined that communication is not possible) can start the emergency operation or can continue the emergency operation.

  [Step S4] In step S3, if it is determined from the operation state information that the emergency operation can be started because the current time is not an emergency operation state, the application execution control unit 1a determines that the management target program has started an emergency operation in the storage unit. The emergency operation start date and time is written in, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the program execution means 1c is instructed to operate the management target program 1ca.

  [Step S5] In step S3, if it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued because the current time point is in an emergency operation state, for example, within a predetermined period from the emergency operation start date and time, the application execution control unit 1a The program execution unit 1c is instructed to run the management target program 1ca.

  [Step S6] If it is determined in step S3 that the current point is in an emergency operation state, for example that the emergency operation can be started or the emergency operation cannot be continued because it is outside a predetermined period from the emergency operation start date and time. The application execution control unit 1a instructs the program execution unit 1c not to operate the management target program 1ca.

  [Step S7] When communication with the license management apparatus 2 is successful in step S2 and an authorization response is received from the license management apparatus 2, the application execution control means 1a causes the program execution means 1c to execute the management target program 1ca.

  [Step S8] If communication with the license management apparatus 2 is successful in step S2 and an authorization response is not received from the license management apparatus 2, the application execution control means 1a sends a new program to be managed 1ca to the program execution means 1c. To prevent invoking

  [Step S9] If communication with the license management apparatus 2 is successful in step S1, and if the operation state information is an emergency operation state, in this step, the operation mode information is set to exhibit a steady operation state. In FIG. 1, this step is after step S7 or step S8, but there is no problem even if the order is reversed.

  Even if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device 2 by controlling the execution of the management target program 1ca by the application execution control unit 1a, the emergency operation is performed as long as it is within the range of the emergency operation possible condition. Execution of the management target program 1ca can be continued. As a result, it is possible to avoid that the management target program falls into an unusable state due to the interruption of communication with the license management apparatus 2 due to a failure or the like under appropriate conditions.

  Next, details of the present embodiment will be described. Note that this embodiment can be applied even when the processing unit is relatively large (for example, it takes time to execute one command), such as a graphic processing command of a CAD system.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the present embodiment. Client terminals 100, 200, and 300 are connected to the license server 400 via the network 10. The license server 400 manages whether or not to execute software installed in the client terminals 100, 200, and 300.

The client terminal 300 can be disconnected from the network 10 and used as a mobile terminal.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a client terminal used in the present embodiment. The entire client terminal 100 is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101. A random access memory (RAM) 102, a hard disk drive (HDD) 103, a graphic processing device 104, an input interface 105, and a communication interface 106 are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 107.

  The RAM 102 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 102 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 101. The HDD 103 stores an OS and application programs.

  A monitor 11 is connected to the graphic processing device 104. The graphic processing device 104 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 11 in accordance with a command from the CPU 101. A keyboard 12 and a mouse 13 are connected to the input interface 105. The input interface 105 transmits a signal transmitted from the keyboard 12 or the mouse 13 to the CPU 101 via the bus 107.

  The communication interface 106 is connected to the network 10. The communication interface 106 transmits / receives data to / from another computer via the network 10.

  With the hardware configuration as described above, the processing functions of the present embodiment can be realized. Although FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration of the client terminal 100, the other client terminals 200 and 300 and the license server 400 can be realized by similar hardware.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the client terminal. The client terminal 100 includes a license acquisition unit 110, a license management database (DB) 120, an emergency operation log storage unit 130, an application 140, and an execution management unit 150.

  The license acquisition unit 110 communicates with the license server 400, attempts to acquire a license for executing the application 140, and outputs whether the license can be used to the authorization flag 21. When the license acquisition unit 110 has successfully acquired the license, the license acquisition unit 110 sets a flag value “ON” indicating execution permission in the approval flag 21. The authorization flag 21 is arranged in the RAM 102, for example. The license acquisition unit 110 includes an authorization request processing unit 111, an acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112, and an emergency operation post-processing unit 113 for license management.

  The authorization request processing unit 111 transmits a usage authorization request for requesting permission to use the application 140 to the license server 400 at predetermined time intervals. The authorization request includes the MAC address of the client terminal 100.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the license is accepted is determined using an authorization request from the client terminal 100 as a trigger. However, a method in which the license server 400 polls the client terminal 100 to determine whether or not the license is accepted is also possible. It is. When determining whether to accept the license by polling, the license server 400 transmits a confirmation request for confirming whether or not the application 140 is activated to the client terminal 100. Then, the license server 400 determines whether to accept the license based on the response content to the confirmation request.

  The acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 receives an acceptance / rejection response from the license server 400. The acceptance / rejection response includes information indicating whether or not the use of the application 140 is permitted. The approval / disapproval response processing unit 112 sets the approval flag 21 to “ON” when the use is approved by the approval / disapproval response. In addition, when the use is not permitted due to the acceptance / rejection response, the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 sets the authorization flag 21 to “OFF” and displays a message “not authorized” on the monitor 11 of the client terminal 100. If the approval / disapproval response is not returned despite the output of the use approval request from the approval request processing unit 111, the approval / disapproval response processing unit 112 refers to the emergency operation log storage unit 130 and sets the approval flag 21 to “ON”. Alternatively, “OFF” is set to control the operation of the application 140 that is the target of license management.

  The emergency operation post-processing unit 113 stores the information stored in the emergency operation log storage unit 130 on the client terminal side when the communication between the client terminal 100 and the license server 400 is recovered and the emergency operation state ends. It performs the practical function of sending to 400, but is not essential to the present invention.

  Note that the authorization request processing unit 111, the approval / disapproval response processing unit 112, and the post-emergency operation processing unit 113 individually show some functions in the license acquisition unit 110. That is, the license acquisition unit 110 has functions other than the authorization request processing unit 111, the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112, and the emergency operation post-processing unit 113 for license management. For example, when the application 140 is stopped, the license acquisition unit 110 sets the authorization flag 21 to “OFF” and notifies the license server 400 of the end of use. In addition, when an operation input indicating mobile use (mobile use instruction) is performed, the license acquisition unit 110 sets the mobile flag in the license management DB 120 to “ON” in response to the mobile use instruction, A mobile use notification is transmitted to the license server 400. Furthermore, when an operation input indicating the end of use on mobile (mobile release instruction) is performed, the license acquisition unit 110 sets the mobile flag in the license management DB 120 to “OFF” in response to the mobile release instruction. At the same time, a mobile release notification is transmitted to the license server 400.

  Note that the mobile use notification can be transmitted only when the use of the application 140 is authorized (when the authorization flag 21 is “ON” except during emergency operation). That is, when receiving the mobile use instruction, the license acquisition unit 110 refers to the emergency operation log storage unit 130 and determines whether or not the emergency operation is in progress. If at least one combination of the emergency operation start date and time and the emergency operation end date and time is registered in the emergency operation log storage unit 130 in addition to the terminal MAC address, the emergency operation is in progress. If no combination of the operation start date / time and the emergency operation end date / time is registered, the emergency operation is not in progress. If the operation is not urgent and the value of the authorization flag 21 is “ON”, the license server 400 is authorized to use the application 140.

  The license management DB 120 is a database that stores information necessary for license management, such as the MAC address of the client terminal 100 and the host name of the license server 400. For example, the license management DB 120 is constructed in a part of the storage area of the HDD 103.

  The emergency operation log storage unit 130 is a database that stores an operation history due to an emergency operation of the application 140. For example, the emergency operation log storage unit 130 is constructed in a part of the storage area of the HDD 103.

  The application 140 is software whose license is managed by the license server 400. Every time a command (one complete processing execution instruction) is input, the application 140 executes processing corresponding to the command. Whether or not a command input to the application 140 is executable by the execution management unit 150 is determined. Then, when the execution management unit 150 instructs the execution of the command, the application 140 executes a process corresponding to the corresponding command.

  The execution management unit 150 determines whether the command for the application 140 can be executed. Specifically, the execution management unit 150 refers to the authorization flag 21 when a command for the application 140 is input. If the authorization flag 21 is “ON”, the execution management unit 150 permits the input command to be executed and instructs the application 140 to execute the command. If the authorization flag 21 is “OFF”, the execution management unit 150 suspends execution of the input command and waits for the authorization flag 21 to be “ON”.

Next, the contents of the database that the client terminal 100 has will be described.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the license management DB of the client terminal. The license management DB 120 includes a terminal MAC address, a server host name, a server MAC address, a previous authorization request date and time, a previous license response reception date and time, an authorization request cycle, an emergency operation possible period, a mobile use period, a mobile flag, and a mobile operation start time. Is registered.

  The terminal MAC address is a MAC address set in advance in the communication interface 106 of the client terminal 100. The client terminal 100 can be uniquely identified in the communication via the network 10 by the MAC address. The terminal MAC address is copied from the ROM in the boot communication interface 106 to the license management DB 120 in processing at the time of system startup of the client terminal 100.

  The server host name is the name (host name) of the license server 400. The host name is associated with an IP (Internet Protocol) address by a DNS (Domain Name System) server (not shown), for example. When performing communication by TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP on the network 10, an IP address is specified by a DNS server by specifying a host name, and a packet can be transmitted to a device having the corresponding IP address. The server host name is registered in advance in the license management DB by a user operation input.

  The server MAC address is the MAC address of the license server 400. The server MAC address can be obtained by ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) using the server host name. That is, the license acquisition unit 110 acquires an IP address corresponding to the server host name from the DNS server when the client terminal 100 is activated, and transmits an ARP request specifying the IP address by broadcast. Then, a response including the MAC address is returned from the license server 400 having the corresponding IP address.

The previous authorization request date and time is the date and time when the previous authorization request was transmitted. The previous authorization request date and time is set every time an authorization request is transmitted.
The previous permission response reception date and time is the date and time when the previous permission response (acceptance response indicating permission) is received. The previous license response reception date and time is set every time a license response is received.

The authorization request cycle is a time interval for transmitting an authorization request from the client terminal 100. The authorization request cycle is set in advance according to a user operation input.
The emergency operation possible period is a time during which the application 140 can be operated in an emergency.

  The mobile expiration date is a period during which mobile operation can be continued. The mobile use time limit is acquired from the license condition storage unit 420 of the license server 400 by the license acquisition unit 110 when the client terminal 100 is activated, and is set in the license management DB 120.

  The mobile flag is information indicating whether the mobile state is set. In the mobile state (offline state), the license acquisition unit 110 sets the mobile flag to “ON”. In the online state, the license acquisition unit 110 sets the mobile flag to “OFF”.

  The mobile operation start time is the time when the mobile state is entered. The mobile operation start time is set by the license acquisition unit 110 when the mobile flag is “ON”, and is reset when the mobile flag is “OFF” (invalid. Is set).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the emergency operation log storage unit of the client terminal. In the emergency operation log storage unit 130, the terminal MAC address, the emergency operation start date and time, and the emergency operation end date and time are registered. Note that only one terminal MAC address is registered at the head, and the emergency operation start date and time and the emergency operation end date and time are repeatedly registered.

The emergency operation start date and time is the date and time when the emergency operation is started, and is written when the emergency operation start state is entered.
The emergency operation end date and time is the date and time when the emergency operation ends, and is the same as the date and time when communication between the client terminal and the license server is restored. This is set to the initial state when the communication between the license server and the client terminal fails and becomes an emergency operation state. That is, a pair of one emergency operation start date and one emergency operation end date and time constitutes emergency operation period information indicating an emergency operation period per emergency operation.

  Here, the data structure for expressing the emergency operation is realized by repeating the emergency operation start date and time and the emergency operation end date and time. However, in practice, the emergency operation continuation date and time may be added. The emergency operation continuation date and time is the latest date and time when the emergency operation state is recognized. This information is useful for system management, such as understanding overtime. However, since license management is not an indispensable item, description thereof is omitted here.

  As another example, there is no problem in setting an emergency operation start date and time as an emergency operation flag, for example, emergency operation start date and time. There is no problem in deleting the emergency start date and time.

Next, functions of the license server 400 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the license server. The license server 400 includes a terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410, an authorization condition storage unit 420, an authorization terminal management DB 430, an operation log storage unit 440, an emergency operation log collection unit 450, an authorization condition setting unit 460, an authorization determination processing unit 470, An operation log processing unit 480, an authorization condition excess determination unit 490, and a license server monitor 495 are included.

  The terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410 stores an emergency operation log of each of the client terminals 100, 200, and 300. For example, a part of the HDD storage area in the license server 400 is used as the terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410.

  The authorization condition storage unit 420 stores the contents of the application license (authorization conditions) and information necessary for granting use permission based on the license. For example, a part of the storage area of the HDD in the license server 400 is used as the authorization condition storage unit 420.

  The authorized terminal management DB 430 is a database for storing information related to client terminals that are permitted to use applications. For example, a part of the HDD storage area in the license server 400 is used as the authorized terminal management DB 430. The authorized terminal management DB 430 stores operation results and plan information used as a mobile for each authorized terminal. The content of the authorized terminal management DB 430 is automatically updated when use of the application is authorized in response to an authorization request from the client terminal. In addition, the contents of the authorization terminal management DB 430 are automatically received when the use of the application is authorized in response to the authorization request from the client terminal (steady operation) or when the use termination notice is received from the client terminal authorized to use. Updated.

  The operation log storage unit 440 stores the execution period of the license management target application in each of the client terminals 100, 200, and 300. For example, a part of the storage area of the HDD in the license server 400 is used as the operation log storage unit 440.

  The emergency operation log collection unit 450 collects emergency operation logs from the client terminals 100, 200, and 300 connected to the network 10. Then, the emergency operation log collection unit 450 stores the collected emergency operation log in the terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410.

  The authorization condition setting unit 460 sets a condition for granting use permission to the license management target application in the authorization condition storage unit 420. For example, the authorization condition setting unit 460 obtains the use license of the application from the sales source of the application subject to license management, and sets information indicated by the obtained use license in the authorization condition storage unit 420. The use license includes the number of client terminals that can be used simultaneously, the number of client terminals that can be registered in advance as client terminals that use the application, and the like.

  In response to the authorization request sent from the client terminal, the authorization judgment processing unit 470 judges whether or not to authorize the client terminal to use the application based on the authorization condition storage unit 420 and the authorization terminal management DB 430. . Then, the authorization determination processing unit 470 transmits an acceptance / rejection response indicating the determination result to the client terminal that has output the authorization request. Further, the authorization determination processing unit 470 updates the contents of the authorized terminal management DB 430 when the use of the application is permitted. Upon receiving the use end notification from the client terminal, the authorization determination processing unit 470 deletes the record corresponding to the client terminal that transmitted the use end notification from the authorized terminal management DB 430.

  Upon receiving a mobile use notification from a client terminal authorized to use the application, the authorization determination processing unit 470 sets the mobile flag corresponding to the MAC address of the client terminal in the authorized terminal management DB 430 to “ON” (in the mobile state). Indicates that the application is in use). Conversely, when the authorization determination processing unit 470 receives a mobile release notification from a client terminal whose mobile flag is “ON”, the authorization determination processing unit 470 sets “OFF” (online) to the mobile flag corresponding to the MAC address of the client terminal in the authorized terminal management DB 430. Set to indicate in use).

  Further, the authorization determination process 470 cancels the authorization for the client terminal when the authorization request to be sent periodically from the client terminal authorized to use the application is interrupted.

  The operation log processing unit 480 stores the use history of the application by each client terminal 100, 200, 300 in the operation log storage unit 440 as an operation log. Specifically, when the authorization determination processing unit 470 authorizes the use of the application to the client terminal, the operation log processing unit 480 displays the terminal according to the MAC address of the client terminal and the operation start date and time (current date and time). The identifier is added and registered in the operation log storage unit 440. In addition, when the operation log processing unit 480 receives the use end notification from the client terminal, the operation log processing unit 480 registers the operation end date and time (current date and time) in association with the MAC address of the corresponding client terminal. The operation log processing unit 480 considers that the application is in operation while the client terminal is in the mobile state.

  The authorization condition excess determination unit 490 determines whether or not an application exceeding the authorization conditions in the authorization condition storage unit 420 is used based on the contents of the emergency operation log storage unit 410 and the operation log storage unit 440 for each terminal. Judging. Then, when the application is used exceeding the authorization condition, the authorization condition excess determination unit 490 displays an alarm message indicating that fact on a monitor connected to the license server 400. For example, when the number of client applications that can use the application at the same time exceeds the number of client terminals that are used at the same time, the cumulative amount of time that has been used is displayed on the license server monitor 495.

Next, the content of information managed by the license server 400 will be specifically described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the emergency operation log storage unit by terminal of the license server. The terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410 stores a plurality of emergency operation logs collected from the client terminals 100, 200, and 300. The contents of the emergency operation log are the same as the emergency operation log stored in the emergency operation log storage unit 130 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the authorization condition storage unit of the license server. The authorization condition storage unit 420 stores an authorization deadline, the number of authorized terminals, the number of terminals that can be authorized, a mobile use deadline, a server host name, and a server MAC address. Note that the authorization deadline, the number of authorized terminals, and the number of terminals that can be authorized are information given by the provider of the application to be managed.

  The authorization deadline is the final deadline when the application can be used. The number of authorized terminals is the total number of client terminals authorized to use the application. The number of terminals that can be authorized is the total number of client terminals that can simultaneously authorize use of the application. The mobile expiration date is a period in which the mobile device can be used in the mobile state. The server host name is a name (host name) for uniquely identifying the license server 400 on the TCP / IP network. The server MAC address is the MAC address of the license server 400.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the authorization terminal management DB of the license server. In the authorization terminal management DB 430, a terminal MAC address, an operation start date and time, an authorization final request date and time, an authorization request cycle, a mobile flag, and a mobile operation start time are set for each client terminal that is permitted to use the application.

  The terminal MAC address is the MAC address of the client terminal that uses the application. The operation start date and time is the date and time when the client terminal starts using the application. The last approval request date and time is the date and time when the client terminal last transmitted the application approval request. The authorization request cycle is a time interval at which the client terminal should obtain an application license. Based on the final approval request date and time and the approval request cycle, the license server preferentially grants the license use authorization to the client.

  The mobile flag is a flag indicating that the client terminal is using the application while being disconnected from the network 10. For example, when the client terminal using the application is disconnected from the network 10, “ON” is set in the mobile flag. When the client terminal using the application is connected to the network 10, “OFF” is set in the mobile flag.

  The mobile operation start time is the time when the client terminal becomes mobile. The mobile operation start time is set when the mobile flag is “ON”, and is reset when the mobile flag is “OFF” (an invalid value is set) ).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the operation log storage unit of the license server. In the operation log storage unit 440, a terminal identifier, a terminal MAC address, an operation start date and time, and an operation end date and time are set as usage records of the application by the client terminal. The terminal identifier is identification information for uniquely identifying each client terminal within the license server 400. The terminal MAC address is the MAC address of the client terminal corresponding to the terminal identifier. The operation start date and time is the date and time when the client terminal starts using the application. The operation end date and time is the date and time when the client terminal has finished using the application.

Next, the contents of the network license management process in this embodiment will be described. First, processing executed by a client terminal represented by 100 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure of command execution management processing performed by the execution management unit and acceptance / rejection response processing unit of the client terminal in FIG. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 12 will be described in order of step number. This process is executed when a command for the application 140 is input by an operation input from the user.

The authorization determination in step S16 belongs to the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112. Details of the authorization determination step S16 will be described later in detail, but the output is an authorization flag 21.
Steps S11 to S14 belong to the execution management unit 150. Hereinafter, processing of the execution management unit 150 will be described.

[Step S11] The execution management unit 150 acquires a command input to the application 140.
[Step S12] The execution management unit 150 determines whether or not the authorization flag 21 already output by the license acquisition unit 110 is “OK”. If the authorization flag 21 is “OK”, the process proceeds to step S14. If the authorization flag 21 is “NG”, the process proceeds to step S13.

  [Step S13] When the authorization flag 21 is “NG”, the execution management unit 150 recognizes that the license for using the application 140 cannot be used, and waits for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  [Step S14] If the authorization flag 21 is “OK”, the execution management unit 150 executes the input command. Specifically, the execution management unit 150 instructs the application 140 to execute a program corresponding to the input command. Then, the application 140 dispatches the instructed command to transfer execution control to the command program and execute it. Thereafter, when the command processing is completed, the control shifts to step S11, and the process of processing the next command is repeated.

  As described above, the execution management unit 150 can cause the application 140 to execute a command on condition that the authorization flag 21 is “OK”. Note that the application 140 can continue processing the command being executed even if the authorization flag 21 is changed to “NG” during the execution of the command.

  As shown on the left in FIG. 12, the authorization flag 21 is output in the authorization determination step S 16 in the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 belonging to the license acquisition unit 110. The authorization determination step S16 refers to the authorization determination first half processing step S16a that communicates with the license server 400 and outputs a response flag, outputs the authorization flag 21 with reference to the response flag and the emergency operation information 1ba, and sets the emergency operation information 1ba. It consists of authorization judgment latter half process S16b to update.

Note that the authorization determination processing step S16 corresponds to the communication step S1 and the communication determination step S2 of the application execution control unit 1a in the schematic diagram of FIG.
Since communication with the license server 400 is preferably performed asynchronously with the process including the command execution step S14 that may have a long processing time, in this embodiment, the communication is performed as a separate process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing step S16a (see FIG. 12) in the first half of the authorization determination step S16 belonging to the acceptance / rejection response processing unit in the license acquisition unit. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 13 will be described in order of step number.

  [Step S21] The license acquisition unit 110 activates the execution management unit 150. Specifically, the license acquisition unit 110 outputs an execution request for a program (execution management program or monitor) for managing execution of commands of the application 140 to the OS. That is, the OS of the client terminal 100 is caused to generate a process for executing the execution management program, and the process is caused to execute the execution management program (monitor). Since the communication, communication determination, and execution management unit are separate processes, the response flag is updated and referenced asynchronously and independently.

Conversely, there is no problem even if the execution management unit generates a process for executing the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a.
[Step S22] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, the license management DB 120 is referred to and waits until the time indicated in the authorization request cycle elapses from the previous authorization request date and time. If the application 140 is activated and before the first authorization request is transmitted, the standby process is not necessary.

  [Step S23] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, since there is a possibility that the application 140 has ended, it is checked whether or not the application 140 exists. Specifically, the license acquisition unit 110 searches for processes that are executing the application 140 from among the processes activated by the OS.

  [Step S24] If the application 140 exists, the license acquisition unit 110 advances the process to step S26. If the application 140 does not exist, the license acquisition unit 110 advances the process to the time waiting step S22.

  [Step S26] In the first half of authorization determination process step S16a, if the application 140 exists, it is determined whether or not the mobile flag in the license management DB 120 is “ON”. If the mobile flag is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S27. If the mobile flag is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S29.

  [Step S27] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, it is determined whether or not the mobile usage time limit has passed. Specifically, the license acquisition unit 110 refers to the license management DB 120 and determines whether the elapsed time from the mobile operation start time to the present time has passed the mobile use time limit. If the mobile expiration date has passed, the process proceeds to step S28. If the mobile expiration date has not passed, the process proceeds to step S22.

  [Step S28] In the first half of authorization determination processing step S16a of the license acquisition unit 110, the mobile flag in the license management DB 120 is set to “OFF”, and the process proceeds to step S29.

  [Step S29] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, if the application 140 exists, an authorization request is transmitted. Specifically, the license acquisition unit 110 instructs the authorization request processing unit 111 to transmit an authorization request. Then, the authorization request processing unit 111 refers to the license management DB 120 and acquires the terminal MAC address, the server host name, and the server MAC address. Then, the authorization request processing unit 111 generates a packet requesting authorization for use of the application 140 to the license server 400 indicated by the server host name, and sets the server MAC address as the destination of the frame including the packet. To transmit on the network 10. At this time, the authorization request processing unit 111 updates the previous authorization request date and time in the license management DB 120. That is, the authorization request processing unit 111 sets the current date and time as the previous authorization request date and time.

  Therefore, an authorization request is sent to the license server as long as the application exists, and an authorization response is preferentially returned by the following steps as long as the license server functions normally.

[Step S30] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, a response from the license server 400 is waited for a predetermined time.
[Step S31] In the first half of the authorization determination process step S16a, if a license response is transmitted from the license server 400, the response is acquired. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32. Also, if there is no acceptance / rejection response within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S32.

  [Step S32] In the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a, it is checked whether or not there is a response of acceptance or rejection within a predetermined time. If there is an acceptance / rejection response within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S34. If there is no acceptance response within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S33.

  [Step S33] In the first half of the authorization determination process step S16a, if there is no acceptance / rejection response within a predetermined time (in the case of communication failure), a no response flag “None” is set in the response flag. Thereafter, the process waits for the time of step S22.

  [Step S34] In the first half of the authorization determination process step S16a, it is checked whether or not the response in step S31 is a permission response. If the response is a permission response, the process proceeds to step S36. If the response is not a permission response, the process proceeds to step S35.

  [Step S35] In the first half of the authorization determination process step S16a, a flag “NG” indicating that the response is not a license response is set in the response flag unless the response in step S31 is a license response. Thereafter, the process waits for the time of step S22.

  [Step S36] In the first half of the authorization determination process step S16a, if the response in step S31 is a permission response, the flag “OK” is set in the response flag as a permission response. Thereafter, the process waits for the time of step S22.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing step S16b in the latter half of the step S16 of authorization determination in the license acquisition unit. The output of this step of the present embodiment is an update of the authorization flag 21 for controlling the operation of the command and the emergency operation information 1ba. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 14 will be described in order of step number. The outline of the flow of FIG. 14 has already been shown in FIG.

  [Step S33a] This step corresponds to step S33 constituting the first half of the authorization determination processing step S16a. In step S33, if there is no acceptance / rejection response within a predetermined period of time, a flag “None” indicating no response from the license server 400 is already set in the response flag. Based on this, the authorization determination latter half process S16a of the execution management unit 150 calculates the authorization flag 21.

  If the flag “None” with no response is set, the process goes to step S37. If the flag has a response, the process goes to step S36a. If the response flag is “OK”, the response to the steady operation in step S42. If the flag is a rejection response “NG”, the routine proceeds to a steady operation stop process in step S44.

  [Step S37] If a flag indicating no response from the license server 400 is set in the response flag, the authorization determination latter half process S16b of the execution management unit 150 determines whether the emergency operation is in progress or not by determining whether the emergency operation is in progress. This is performed based on information corresponding to the operation mode information (see the description of step S53 for details of the determination criteria).

  If the operation mode is in an emergency operation state, the process proceeds to the emergency operation continuation possibility determination process in step S39. If the operation mode is not an emergency operation, that is, a regular operation state is exhibited, the process proceeds to an emergency operation start process in step S38.

[Step S38] Details of the emergency operation start process of the authorization determination latter half process S16b of the license acquisition unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the emergency operation start process.

  [Step S51] In the latter half of the authorization determination process S16b, the authorization flag 21 is set to “ON”. As a result, the command is activated by the mechanism shown in the command execution management process of the execution management unit (FIG. 12).

  [Step S52] In the latter half of the authorization determination process S16b, the emergency operation start date and time is written. Specifically, the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 additionally registers the current date and time as the emergency operation start date and time in the emergency operation log storage unit 130.

  [Step S53] In the latter half of the authorization determination process S16b, the initial value of the emergency operation end date is written (initialized). Specifically, the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 additionally registers the initial value 0 in the emergency operation log storage unit 130 as the emergency operation end date and time. In this embodiment, the emergency operation end date and time (the communication recovery date and time is set when the communication between the client terminal 100 and the license server 400 is recovered) in the terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410 is initialized (initial The value is set) means that the operation mode information is an emergency operation state.

  [Step S54] The authorization determination latter half process S16b displays an emergency operation start message “emergency operation in progress” on the monitor 11 of the client terminal 100. This step is a step for performing practical processing accompanying the start of emergency operation. Thereafter, the emergency operation start process S38 ends.

  [Step S39] In the authorization determination latter half process S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, when there is no response from the license server 400 and the operation mode information indicates the emergency operation state, it is determined whether or not the emergency operation is continued.

  Specifically, the emergency operation continuation date and time is calculated from the emergency operation start date and time of the emergency operation log storage unit 130 and the emergency operation possible period of the license management DB 120. The calculation of the emergency operation period may be based on a simple calendar or may be based on an operation day.

If the current date and time is before the emergency operation continuation possible date and time, it is determined that the emergency operation is continuing, and the process proceeds to the emergency operation continuation process in step S40.
Otherwise, it is determined that the emergency operation continuation period is not in progress, and the process proceeds to the emergency operation stop process in step S41.

  [Step S40] In the latter half of the authorization determination processing S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, the emergency operation is continued if the operation mode is in an emergency operation state and the current time is within the range where the emergency operation can be continued. Specifically, the authorization flag 21 in step S51 is set to “ON”, and the emergency operation start message output process in step S54 is performed. That is, the procedure when steps S52 and 53 are absent in FIG. As a result, the command is activated by the mechanism (FIG. 12) shown in the command execution management process of the execution management unit.

  [Step S41] In the latter half of the authorization determination process S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, the emergency operation is stopped if the operation form exhibits an emergency operation state and is not within the urgent operation continuation possible range. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the authorization flag 21 is set to “OFF” in step S56, and an emergency operation end message “emergency operation stop” is displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal 100 in step S57. As a result, the command is not activated by the mechanism (FIG. 12) shown in the command execution management process of the execution management unit.

  [Step S42] In the latter half of the authorization determination processing S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, if the response flag is “OK” meaning that steady operation is permitted, steady operation is realized. Specifically, the authorization flag 21 is set to “ON”. As a result, the command is started by the mechanism shown in the execution management unit command execution management process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the steady operation return process in step S43.

[Step S43] In the latter half of the authorization determination process of the license acquisition unit 110, when the emergency operation state returns to the steady operation state, the normal operation return process, which is a special process, is performed.
The steps constituting the steady operation return process will be described in order with reference to FIG.

  [Step S61] The first step constituting the normal operation return process S43 is a process of updating the operation mode information so as to exhibit a normal operation state. In the case of this embodiment, after checking whether the emergency operation end date and time (communication recovery date and time between the client terminal 100 and the license server 400) in the terminal-specific emergency operation log storage unit 410 is in the initial state, If so, the current time is written in the emergency operation end date and time. This means that the operation mode information in the emergency operation information exhibits a steady operation state.

  [Step S62] In the latter half of the authorization determination process S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, the license server 400 is notified of the end of emergency operation. Specifically, the acceptance / rejection response processing unit 112 transmits an emergency operation log currently stored in the emergency operation log storage unit 130 to the license server 400 together with information indicating that the emergency operation has ended.

[Step S63] In the latter half of the authorization determination processing S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, a steady operation start message “steady operation start” is displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal 100.
Step S43 is complete | finished above.

  [Step S44] In the authorization determination latter half process S16b of the license acquisition unit 110, if the response flag is “NG” which means that steady operation is not permitted, the steady operation is not realized. Specifically, the authorization flag 21 is set to “OFF”. This prevents the command from being activated by the mechanism shown in the execution management unit command execution management process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the steady operation return process in step S43.

As described above, the application 140 can be urgently operated in the client terminal 100.
Next, the authorization determination process in the license server 400 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the authorization determination process. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 18 will be described in order of step number. This process is a process executed when an authorization request is transmitted from any of the client terminals to the license server 400.

  [Step S81] The authorization determination processing unit 470 of the license server 400 determines whether or not the authorization period has expired. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 compares the authorization deadline set in the authorization condition storage unit 420 with the current time, and determines whether or not the current time has passed the authorization deadline. If the authorization time limit has passed, the process proceeds to step S82. If the authorization time limit has not passed, the process proceeds to step S83.

  [Step S82] When the authorization time limit has passed, the authorization determination processing unit 470 transmits a rejection response (acceptance response indicating rejection) to the client terminal that transmitted the authorization request. Thereafter, the process ends.

The authorization determination processing unit 470 in [Step S83] receives the authorization request signal transmitted from the client terminal 100 when the authorization deadline has not passed.
[Step S84] The authorization determination processing unit 470 searches the authorization terminal management DB 430 for the MAC address of the client terminal that has transmitted the authorization request.

  [Step S85] If the MAC address is detected, the authorization determination processing unit 470 advances the processing to step S86. If the MAC address is not detected, the authorization determination processing unit 470 advances the process to step S88.

  [Step S86] The authorization determination processing unit 470 updates the authorized terminal management DB 430. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 updates the authorization final request date and time associated with the MAC address of the client terminal that has output the authorization request in the authorization terminal management DB 430 to the current date and time.

  [Step S87] The authorization determination processing unit 470 transmits a permission response (a permission / refusal response indicating permission to use the application) to the client terminal that has transmitted the permission request. Thereafter, the license management process ends.

  [Step S88] If the MAC address of the client terminal that transmitted the authorization request is not registered in the authorized terminal management DB, the authorization determination processing unit 470 can authorize the terminal when the client terminal is permitted to use the application. Determine whether the number is exceeded. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 determines whether the number of authorized terminals in the authorization condition storage unit 420 is equal to or greater than the number of terminals that can be authorized (if the number of authorized terminals is increased, the number of authorized terminals exceeds the number of authorized terminals) ) Determine whether or not. If the number of authorized terminals is equal to or greater than the number of authorized terminals, the process proceeds to step S89. If the number of authorized terminals is less than the number of authorized terminals, the process proceeds to step S90.

  [Step S89] The authorization determination processing unit 470 transmits a rejection response (acceptance response indicating rejection) to the client terminal that has transmitted the authorization request. Thereafter, the license management process ends.

  [Step S90] If the number of authorized terminals is less than the number of terminals that can be authorized, the authorization determination processing unit 470 updates the authorized terminal management DB 430. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 adds a record corresponding to the client terminal that transmitted the authorization request to the authorization terminal management DB 430. As the terminal MAC address of the record, the MAC address of the client terminal that has transmitted the authorization request is set. The current date and time is set as the operation start date and time. Further, an authorization request cycle included in the authorization request is set as an authorization request cycle for a newly registered record. In addition, the authorization determination processing unit 470 adds 1 to the number of permitted terminals in the authorization condition storage unit 420.

  [Step S91] The authorization determination processing unit 470 transmits a permission response (a permission / rejection response indicating permission) to the client terminal that has transmitted the permission request. Thereafter, the license management process ends.

In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not to accept the authorization request.
Next, the authorization cancellation process performed in the license server 400 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of authorization cancellation processing. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 19 will be described in order of step number. This process is periodically executed at a predetermined interval (for example, an interval shorter than the minimum value of the authorization request cycle).

  [Step S101] The authorization determination processing unit 470 determines whether or not the authorization period has expired. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 compares the authorization deadline set in the authorization condition storage unit 420 with the current time, and determines whether or not the current time has passed the authorization deadline. If the authorization time limit has passed, the process proceeds to step S102. If the authorization time limit has not passed, the process proceeds to step S103.

  [Step S102] The authorization determination processing unit 470 cancels authorization of all client terminals when the authorization time limit has passed. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 deletes all records from the authorized terminal management DB 430. Thereafter, the process ends.

  [Step S103] If the authorization time limit has not passed, the authorization judgment processing unit 470 searches for a client terminal whose authorization request has ceased. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 refers to the authorization terminal management DB 430, and compares the elapsed time from the last authorization date and time of each client terminal to the present and the authorization request cycle. Then, the authorization determination processing unit 470 determines that the authorization request is interrupted if the elapsed time exceeds the authorization request cycle.

  [Step S104] The authorization determination processing unit 470 determines whether there is a client terminal whose authorization request has been interrupted. If there is a corresponding client terminal, the process proceeds to step S105. If there is no corresponding client terminal, the process ends.

  [Step S <b> 105] When there is a client terminal whose authorization request has been interrupted, the authorization determination processing unit 470 refers to the authorized terminal management DB 430 and determines whether the mobile flag of the client terminal is “ON”. If the mobile flag is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S106. If the mobile flag is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S107.

  [Step S106] The authorization determination processing unit 470 determines whether or not the mobile state of the client terminal has passed the mobile use time limit. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 refers to the authorization terminal management DB 430, refers to the elapsed time from the mobile operation start time of the client terminal in the mobile state to the present time, the mobile usage time limit indicated in the authorization condition storage unit 420, and Compare If the elapsed time is greater, it is determined that the mobile usage time limit has passed. If the mobile expiration date has passed, the process proceeds to step S107. If the mobile expiration date has not elapsed, the process ends.

  [Step S107] The authorization determination processing unit 470 cancels the authorization to use the application for the client terminal detected in Step S103. Specifically, the authorization determination processing unit 470 deletes the record related to the client terminal detected in step S103 from the authorized terminal management DB 430. Thereafter, the process ends.

  In this way, by enabling the application to operate urgently under certain restrictions on the client terminals 100, 200, 300, the client terminals 100, 200, It can avoid that the application mounted in 300 falls into an unusable state. In addition, since it is not necessary to make the license server 400 redundant, less hardware and software resources are required for stable operation of the application. At this time, emergency operation logs (emergency operation history information) are saved, and emergency operation logs are collected when a failure is recovered to determine whether or not an application exceeding the usage limit is used afterwards. be able to. If the use of an application that exceeds the usage limit due to an emergency operation is detected, the license provider charges the user an additional fee or increases the number of usable terminals at the next license provision. You can encourage users to sign new contracts.

  Further, even when the client terminal is in an offline state (a state in which communication with the license server 400 is not possible), if an instruction for mobile use is input in advance, the application can be used within a predetermined period. As a result, a flexible operation is possible in which an application is used on a mobile terminal and a demonstration using the application is performed at a customer site. For example, if the application is a three-dimensional CAD application, a three-dimensional display of a product can be performed offline using three-dimensional CAD data by mobile operation.

  In addition, even if the periodic authorization request is interrupted for the mobile state terminal, the number of usable terminals including the mobile state client terminal can be counted by handling the license server 400 as the authorized state.

  Furthermore, if the authorization flag 21 is “ON” when executing a command for an application, the command can be executed until the command is completed. That is, even if the authorization flag 21 is “OFF” during command execution, a command that has already been executed can be executed until the end of the process instructed by the command. As a result, the function of the application can be dynamically stopped even when the processing unit is relatively large (processing takes time), such as a graphic processing command of a CAD system.

  The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the client terminals 100, 200, 300 and the license server 400 should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic recording device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Optical disks include DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disc).

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
The main technical features of the embodiment described above are as follows.

(Supplementary Note 1) A computer that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management device connected via a network,
A communication step of attempting communication with the license management device and acquisition of a use authorization response of the management target program at a predetermined interval;
If the computer cannot communicate with the license management device in the communication step, the emergency operation start date and time of the management target program stored in the storage unit of the computer and an operation that can determine whether it is an emergency operation state or a steady operation state Based on the emergency operation information including the form information, an emergency operation determination step for determining whether the current time point can be started or the emergency operation can be continued,
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. An emergency operation start step of operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
When it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued in the emergency operation determination step, the emergency operation continuation step for causing the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop step in which the program execution unit does not execute the management target program;
When the communication step can communicate with the license management apparatus, the operation mode information is set so that the operation mode information exhibits a steady operation state, and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution step for causing the execution means to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop step for causing the program execution means to interrupt execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
An application execution control program that executes

  (Additional remark 2) As the said operation | movement form information, the date and time when communication between the said computer which executes the said management object program and the said license management apparatus which make a pair with the date and time which started emergency operation was used are used, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The application execution control program according to appendix 1.

  (Additional remark 3) The flag produced | generated based on the recovery | restoration of the communication between the computer which runs the said management object program and the said license management apparatus which makes a pair with the start of emergency operation is used as the said operation state discrimination | determination information. The application execution control program according to appendix 1.

  (Supplementary Note 4) As the operation state determination information, the date and time when the emergency operation was started is deleted by the recovery of communication between the computer executing the management target program and the license management device that is paired with the start of the emergency operation. The application execution control program according to appendix 1, characterized in that:

(Appendix 5) In addition to the computer,
If the emergency operation information is stored in the storage means when communication with the license management apparatus is possible in the communication step, the emergency operation information is transmitted to the license management apparatus, and the emergency operation information in the storage means is transmitted. The execution control program according to appendix 1, wherein an initialization step for erasing operation information is executed.

(Appendix 6) In addition to the computer,
When the computer receives an operation input instructing mobile use in a state where it can communicate with the license management apparatus, an offline use step is executed to postpone execution of the next communication step for a predetermined mobile use time limit. The application execution control program according to claim 1.

  (Supplementary note 7) In the offline use step, after the communication step, communication with the license management apparatus can be performed, and after the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the mobile use is instructed before the next communication step is executed. The execution control program according to appendix 6, wherein a mobile use notification is transmitted to the license management apparatus when an operation input is received.

(Supplementary note 8) In the execution continuation step, an authorization flag indicating permission for execution of a command prepared in the management target program is set to be effective for the program execution unit. Let the program run continuously,
The execution control program according to appendix 1, wherein, in the execution interruption step, the program execution unit interrupts the execution of the management target program by setting the authorization flag to invalid.

(Supplementary note 9) A computer that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management apparatus connected via a network,
Communicating with the license management device at a predetermined interval and communication step trying to obtain a use authorization response of the management target program;
If the computer cannot communicate with the license management device in the communication step, the emergency operation start date and time of the management target program stored in the storage unit of the computer and an operation that can determine whether it is an emergency operation state or a steady operation state Based on the emergency operation information including the form information, an emergency operation determination step for determining whether the current time point can be started or the emergency operation can be continued,
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. An emergency operation start step of operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
When it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued in the emergency operation determination step, the emergency operation continuation step for causing the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop step in which the program execution unit does not execute the management target program;
When the communication step can communicate with the license management apparatus, the operation mode information is set so that the operation mode information exhibits a steady operation state, and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution step for causing the execution means to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop step for causing the program execution means to interrupt execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
Application execution control method to execute.

(Supplementary Note 10) A computer that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management device connected via a network,
Communication means for attempting communication with the license management device at a predetermined interval and obtaining a use authorization response of the management target program; and
When the computer is unable to communicate with the license management device by the communication means, it is possible to determine the emergency operation start date and time of the management target program stored in the storage means of the computer and whether it is an emergency operation state or a steady operation state Based on the emergency operation information including the form information, an emergency operation determination means for determining whether the current operation point can be started or the emergency operation can be continued,
When the emergency operation determination means determines that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. Emergency operation starting means for operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
If it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued by the emergency operation determination unit, an emergency operation continuation unit that causes the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
When it is determined by the emergency operation determination means that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop means that does not cause the program execution means to execute the management target program;
If the communication means is able to communicate with the license management apparatus, a steady operation state update means for setting the operation form information to exhibit a steady operation state; and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution unit that causes the execution unit to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop unit that causes the program execution unit to interrupt the execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
An application execution control device.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the system configuration example of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the client terminal used for this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a client terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the license management DB of a client terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the emergency operation log memory | storage part of a client terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a license server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the emergency operation log memory | storage part classified by terminal of a license server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the authorization condition memory | storage part of a license server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the authorization terminal management DB of a license server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the operation log memory | storage part of a license server. It is a figure which shows one example of the procedure of the command execution management process performed by the execution management part and acceptance / rejection response process part of a client terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process step of the first half of the authorization determination step which belongs to the acceptance / rejection response processing unit in the license acquisition unit. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of process step S16b of the second half of step S16 of authorization determination in a license acquisition part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an emergency operation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an emergency operation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a steady operation return process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an acceptance / rejection determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an authorization cancellation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Client terminal 1a Application execution control means 1b Storage means 1ba Emergency operation information 1c Program execution means 1ca Program to be managed 2 License management device

Claims (6)

A computer that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management apparatus connected via a network,
A communication step of attempting communication with the license management device and acquisition of a use authorization response of the management target program at a predetermined interval;
If the computer cannot communicate with the license management device in the communication step, the emergency operation start date and time of the management target program stored in the storage unit of the computer and an operation that can determine whether it is an emergency operation state or a steady operation state Based on the emergency operation information including the form information, an emergency operation determination step for determining whether the current time point can be started or the emergency operation can be continued,
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. An emergency operation start step of operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
When it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued in the emergency operation determination step, the emergency operation continuation step for causing the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop step in which the program execution unit does not execute the management target program;
When the communication step can communicate with the license management apparatus, the operation mode information is set so that the operation mode information exhibits a steady operation state, and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution step for causing the execution means to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop step for causing the program execution means to interrupt execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
An application execution control program that executes   2. The date and time when communication between the computer executing the management target program and the license management device, which is paired with the date and time when emergency operation is started, is used as the operation mode information. The application execution control program described. In addition to the computer,
When the computer receives an operation input instructing mobile use in a state where it can communicate with the license management apparatus, an offline use step is executed to postpone execution of the next communication step for a predetermined mobile use time limit. The application execution control program according to claim 1. Computer running a managed program license is managed by the license management device connected via a network,
Communicating with the license management device at a predetermined interval and communication step trying to obtain a use authorization response of the management target program;
If the computer cannot communicate with the license management device in the communication step, the emergency operation start date and time of the management target program stored in the storage unit of the computer and an operation that can determine whether it is an emergency operation state or a steady operation state Based on the emergency operation information including the form information, an emergency operation determination step for determining whether the current time point can be started or the emergency operation can be continued,
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. An emergency operation start step of operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
When it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued in the emergency operation determination step, the emergency operation continuation step for causing the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
If it is determined in the emergency operation determination step that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop step in which the program execution unit does not execute the management target program;
When the communication step can communicate with the license management apparatus, the operation mode information is set so that the operation mode information exhibits a steady operation state, and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution step for causing the execution means to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop step for causing the program execution means to interrupt execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
Application execution control method to execute. An application execution control device that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management device connected via a network,
Communication means for attempting communication with the license management device at a predetermined interval and obtaining a use authorization response of the management target program; and
Wherein when the application execution control apparatus can not communicate with the license management device by said communication means, stored in the memory means of the application execution control device, the emergency operation start time and the emergency operating state or steady operating state of the managed program Based on the emergency operation information including the operation mode information that can determine whether or not the emergency operation can be started, emergency operation determination means for determining whether the emergency operation can be continued,
When the emergency operation determination means determines that emergency operation can be started, the emergency operation start date and time is written in the emergency operation information, operation mode information is set so as to exhibit an emergency operation state, and the management target program is executed. Emergency operation starting means for operating the management target program in the program execution means to be controlled;
If it is determined that the emergency operation can be continued by the emergency operation determination unit, an emergency operation continuation unit that causes the program execution unit to execute the management target program;
When it is determined by the emergency operation determination means that neither emergency operation can be started nor emergency operation can be continued, an emergency operation stop means that does not cause the program execution means to execute the management target program;
If the communication means is able to communicate with the license management apparatus, a steady operation state update means for setting the operation form information to exhibit a steady operation state; and if the authorization response is received from the license management apparatus, the program A steady operation execution unit that causes the execution unit to execute the management target program; and a normal operation stop unit that causes the program execution unit to interrupt the execution of the management target program if the authorization response cannot be received from the license management device; ,
An application execution control device.   A computer that executes a management target program whose license is managed by a license management apparatus connected via a network,
  Attempts to communicate with the license management device at predetermined intervals,
  When the computer can communicate with the license management apparatus, the program execution unit that controls the execution of the management target program executes the management target program,
  If the computer is unable to communicate with the license management device, the program execution means causes the management target program to be executed for a predetermined period;
  An application execution control program that executes processing.

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