Distributed network computing system, and data exchange apparatus and method and storage medium used in this system

• US 5,966,451 A
• Filed: 07/21/1997
• Issued: 10/12/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Inventors: Utsumi, Masaki
• Primary Examiner(s): Gregory, Bernarr E.
• Application Number:
  US08/897,973
• Time in Patent Office: 813 Days
• Field of Search: 380/9, 380/10, 380/20, 380/21, 380/28, 380/49, 380/50, 380/59, 395/187.01, 395/200.3, 395/200.31, 395/200.32, 395/200.33, 395/200.38, 395/200.39, 395/200.4, 395/200.53, 395/200.6, 395/200.67 , 395/200.76, 395/200.78, 395/200.8, 379/157, 379/201, 370/259
• US Class Current: 380/51
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/24 Negotiation of communication capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A data exchange unit is arranged in a server. Service data provided as an application service is converted into a predetermined format on the basis of the attribute data of a terminal as a communication partner and transmitted. With this processing, the application service can be provided while absorbing the relative difference in processing capability terminals. When the service data is converted into a predetermined format on the basis of the attribute of a communication network connected to the terminal and transmitted, the application service can be provided while absorbing the relative difference in communication capability among communication networks.

Claims

1. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal,

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data, and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

16. A system according to any one of claims 1, 6, and 11, wherein said terminal comprises a plurality of terminals present on a network.

17. A system according to any one of claims 1, 6, and 11, wherein said communication network comprises a plurality of communication networks present on a network.

18. A system according to any one of claims 1, 6, and 11, wherein said terminal and said communication network respectively comprise a plurality of terminals and a plurality of communication networks present on a network.

19. A system according to any one of claims 1, 6, and 11, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user interface data management means for managing user interface data representing an operation method unique to each terminal, and

said conversion means obtains user interface data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user interface data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user interface data.

20. A system according to any one of claims 1, 6, and 11, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user data management means for managing user data representing an operation method unique to each user, and

said conversion means obtains user data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user data.

6. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network,

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data, and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

9. A system according to claim 6, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

11. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal,

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network,

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management means, and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data, and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

14. A system according to claim 11, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

21. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data, and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

22. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

23. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management means, and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

24. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in a terminal attribute data management section;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

25. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in a communication infrastructure data management section;

acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management section;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

26. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in a terminal attribute data management section;

registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in a communication infrastructure data management section;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management section;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

27. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

checking a processing capability of a terminal;

performing data exchange corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to the communication capability of the communication network; and

performing data exchange corresponding to the processing capability of said terminal when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability.

28. A computer readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, comprising:

a procedure code of causing a computer to check a processing capability of a terminal;

a procedure code of causing said computer to perform data exchange corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to the communication capability of the communication network; and

a procedure code of causing said computer to perform data exchange corresponding to the processing capability of said terminal when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability.

29. A distributed network computing system including

a first data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said first data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said first data processing unit and said terminal, comprising

a second data processing unit connected to said communication network independently of said first data processing unit and having terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal,

wherein said first data processing unit comprises:

retrieval means for retrieving said second data processing unit having said terminal attribute data management means;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data in said second data processing unit retrieved by said retrieval means; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

31. A system according to claim 30, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

32. A system according to claim 29, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

33. A system according to claim 32, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

44. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said terminal comprises a plurality of terminals present on a network.

45. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said communication network comprises a plurality of communication networks present on a network.

46. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said terminal and said communication network respectively comprise a plurality of terminals and a plurality of communication networks present on a network.

47. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said terminal also functions as a server computer.

48. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said second data processing unit comprises user interface data management means for managing user interface data representing an operation method unique to each terminal,

said retrieval means retrieves said second data processing unit having said user interface data management means, and

said conversion means obtains user interface data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user interface data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user interface data in said second data processing unit retrieved by said retrieval means.

49. A system according to any one of claims 29, 34, and 39, wherein said second data processing unit comprises user data management means for managing user data representing an operation method unique to each user,

said retrieval means retrieves said second data processing unit having said user data management means, and

said conversion means obtains user data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user data in said second data processing unit retrieved by said retrieval means.

34. A distributed network computing system including

a first data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said first data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said first data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a second data processing unit connected to said communication network independently of said first data processing unit and having communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network,

wherein said first data processing unit comprises;

retrieval means for retrieving said second data processing unit having said communication infrastructure data management means;

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data corresponding to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data in said second data processing unit retrieved by said retrieval means; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

35. A system according to claim 34, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

36. A system according to claim 35, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

37. A system according to claim 34, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

38. A system according to claim 37, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

39. A distributed network computing system including

a first data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said first data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said first data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a second data processing unit connected to said communication network independently of said first data processing unit and having terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal and communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network,

wherein said first data processing unit comprises;

retrieval means for retrieving said second data processing unit having said terminal attribute data management means and said communication infrastructure data management means;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means, and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data in said second data processing unit retrieved by said retrieval means; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

40. A system according to claim 39, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

41. A system according to claim 40, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

42. A system according to claim 39, wherein said second data processing unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

43. A system according to claim 42, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

50. A data exchange method in a distributed network computing system including a communication network, a terminal connected to said communication network, a first data processing unit for providing an application service to said terminal, and a second data processing unit connected to said communication network and having a terminal attribute data management section, comprising the computer steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in said terminal attribute data management section;

retrieving said second data processing unit having said terminal attribute data management section;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section in said second data processing unit;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

51. A data exchange method in a distributed network computing system including a communication network, a terminal connected to said communication network, a first data processing unit for providing an application service to said terminal, and a second data processing unit connected to said communication network and having a communication infrastructure data management section, comprising the computer steps of:

registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in said communication infrastructure data management section;

retrieving said second data processing unit having said communication infrastructure data management section;

acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management section in said second data processing unit;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

52. A data exchange method in a distributed network computing system including a communication network, a terminal connected to said communication network, a first data processing unit for providing an application service to said terminal, and a second data processing unit connected to said communication network and having a terminal attribute data management section and a communication infrastructure data management section, comprising the computer steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in said terminal attribute data management section and registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in said communication infrastructure data management section;

retrieving said second data processing unit having said terminal attribute data management section and said communication infrastructure data management section;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal in said second data processing unit;

converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

53. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

network connection means for connecting networks to each other; and

a data exchange unit arranged in said network connection means,

said data exchange unit comprising;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

54. A system according to claim 53, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

55. A system according to claim 54, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

56. A system according to claim 53, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

57. A system according to claim 56, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

68. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said terminal comprises a plurality of terminals present on said network.

69. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said communication network comprises a plurality of communication networks are present on said network.

70. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said terminal and said communication network respectively comprise a plurality of terminals and a plurality of communication networks are present on said network.

71. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said terminal also operates as a server computer.

72. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said network connection means comprises a plurality of network connection means present on said network, and functions of said data exchange unit are distributed to said plurality of network connection means.

73. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said network connection means is integrally arranged in said data processing unit to constitute an integrated server together with said data processing unit.

74. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said data exchange unit is arranged on said network independently of said data processing unit and said network connection means.

75. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user interface data management means for managing user interface data representing an operation method unique to each terminal, and

said conversion means obtains user interface data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user interface data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user interface data.

76. A system according to any one of claims 53, 58, and 63, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user data management means for managing user data representing an operation method unique to each user, and

said conversion means obtains user data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user data.

58. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

network connection means for connecting networks to each other; and

a data exchange unit arranged in said network connection means,

said data exchange unit comprising;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

59. A system according to claim 58, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

60. A system according to claim 59, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

61. A system according to claim 58, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

62. A system according to claim 61, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

63. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

network connection means for connecting networks to each other; and

a data exchange unit arranged in said network connection means,

said data exchange unit comprising;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management means, and converting service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

64. A system according to claim 63, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

65. A system according to claim 64, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

66. A system according to claim 63, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

67. A system according to claim 66, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

77. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

arranging a data exchange function in a network connection unit for connecting networks to each other;

when service data provided as an application service from a data processing unit to a terminal,

determining a processing capability of said terminal on a side of said network connection unit; and

converting the service data into a specific format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

78. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

arranging a data exchange function in a network connection unit for connecting networks to each other;

when service data provided as an application service from a data processing unit to a terminal,

determining a communication capability of a communication network connected to said terminal on a side of said network connection unit; and

converting the service data into a specific format in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

79. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

arranging a data exchange function in a network connection unit for connecting networks to each other;

when service data provided as an application service from a data processing unit to a terminal,

determining a processing capability of said terminal and a communication capability of a communication network connected to said terminal on a side of said network connection unit; and

converting the service data into a specific format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

80. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising;

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting the service data analyzed by said analysis means into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

81. A system according to claim 80, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

82. A system according to claim 81, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

83. A system according to claim 80, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

84. A system according to claim 83, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

95. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said terminal comprises a plurality of terminals are present on a network.

96. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said communication network comprises a plurality of communication networks are present on a network.

97. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said terminal and said communication network respectively comprise a plurality of terminals and a plurality of communication networks are present on a network.

98. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said data exchange unit comprises component data conversion means for converting the service data described in a noncomponent data format into the component data format, and

said analysis means analyzes the service data described in the component data format by said component data conversion means.

99. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user interface data management means for managing user interface data representing an operation method unique to each terminal, and

said conversion means obtains user interface data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user interface data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user interface data.

100. A system according to any one of claims 80, 85, and 90, wherein said data exchange unit comprises user data management means for managing user data representing an operation method unique to each user, and

said conversion means obtains user data corresponding to said terminal as the communication partner from said user data management means and converts the service data provided as the application service into a specific format on the basis of the user data.

85. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising;

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data of a communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting the service data analyzed by said analysis means into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

86. A system according to claim 85, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

87. A system according to claim 86, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

88. A system according to claim 85, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

89. A system according to claim 88, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the communication capability of said communication network.

90. A distributed network computing system including

a data processing unit for providing an application service of various application software,

a terminal for receiving the application service from said data processing unit, and

a communication network which connects said data processing unit and said terminal, comprising:

a data exchange unit arranged in said data processing unit,

said data exchange unit comprising;

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the commuinication infrastructure data of a communication network connected to said terminal partner from said communicaiton infrastructure data management means, and converting the service data analyzed by said analysis means into a specific format; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

91. A system according to claim 90, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

enciphering determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data enciphering is enabled, and

enciphering means for enciphering the service data provided as the application service when said enciphering determination means determines that data enciphering is enabled.

92. A system according to claim 91, wherein said enciphering means changes an enciphering level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

93. A system according to claim 90, wherein said data exchange unit comprises

compression determination means for determining on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data whether data compression is enabled, and

compression means for compressing the service data provided as the application service when said compression determination means determines that data compression is enabled.

94. A system according to claim 93, wherein said compression means changes a compression level in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal and the communication capability of said communication network.

101. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and converting the service data, analyzed by said analysis means, into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data, and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

104. An apparatus according to any one of claims 101, 102, and 103, wherein said data exchange unit comprises component data conversion means for converting the service data described in a noncomponent data format into the component data format, and

said analysis means analyzes the service data described in the component data format by said component data conversion means.

102. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management means and converting the service data, analyzed by said analysis means, into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

103. A data exchange apparatus arranged in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising:

analysis means for analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

terminal attribute data management means for managing terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal;

communication infrastructure data management means for managing communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network;

conversion means for acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management means and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management means, and converting the service data, analyzed by said analysis means, into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

communication means for transmitting through said communication network the service data converted by said conversion means.

105. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in a terminal attribute data management section;

analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section;

converting the analyzed service data into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

108. A method according to any one of claims 105, 106, and 107, further comprising converting service data described in a noncomponent data format into the component data format, analyzing the service data described in the component data format, and performing data exchange.

106. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in a communication infrastructure data management section;

analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal as a communication partner from said communication infrastructure data management section;

converting the analyzed service data into a specific format on the basis of the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

107. A data exchange method in a data processing apparatus for providing an application service to a terminal connected through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering terminal attribute data representing a processing capability of said terminal in a terminal attribute data management section;

registering communication infrastructure data representing a communication capability of said communication network in a communication infrastructure data management section;

analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component data format;

acquiring the terminal attribute data of said terminal as a communication partner from said terminal attribute data management section and simultaneously acquiring the communication infrastructure data of said communication network connected to said terminal from said communication infrastructure data management section;

converting the analyzed service data into a specific format on the basis of the terminal attribute data and the communication infrastructure data; and

transmitting the converted service data through said communication network.

109. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

analyzing service data described in a structured document format as a component document format;

checking a processing capability of a terminal;

when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network, converting the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the communication capability of the communication network; and

when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability, converting the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

110. A data exchange method comprising the steps of:

converting service data described in a non-component data format into a component data format;

analyzing the service data described in the component data format;

checking a processing capability of a terminal;

when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network, converting the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the communication capability of the communication network; and

when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability, converting the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

111. A computer readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, comprising:

a procedure code of causing a computer to analyze service data described in a structured document format as a component document format

a procedure code of causing said computer to check a processing capability of a terminal;

a procedure code of, when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network, causing said computer to convert the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the communication capability of the communication network; and

a procedure code of, when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability, causing said computer to convert the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.

112. A computer readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, comprising:

a procedure code of causing a computer to convert service data described in a noncomponent data format into a component data format;

a procedure code of causing said computer to analyze the service data described in the component data format;

a procedure code of causing said computer to check a processing capability of a terminal;

a procedure code of, when the processing capability of said terminal includes a data exchange ability corresponding to a communication capability of a communication network, causing said computer to convert the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the communication capability of the communication network; and

a procedure code of, when the processing capability of said terminal does not include the data exchange ability, causing said computer to convert the analyzed service data into a predetermined format in correspondence with the processing capability of said terminal.